Imipramine

Filed under: Anti Depressant Medication

Displayed: Tofranil Imipramine 25mg

Imipramine is an antidepressant medication, a tricyclic antidepressant of the dibenzazepine group. Imipramine is mainly used in the treatment of major depression and enuresis (inability to control urination). Imipramine is said to lift moods, increase physical activity, improve appetite and restore interest in everyday activities. This drug is less sedating than other antidepressants it is particularly useful were depression is accompanied by withdrawal, or apathetic symptoms. However, it can aggravate insomnia sufferers if taken at night. Imipramine like amitriptyline is also prescribed for the treatment of bed wetting in children. The drug can cause a variety of side-effects. If overdosed this could result in coma and dangerous heart rhythms.

If you have been diagnosed with atypical depression current data suggests that a tricyclic such as imipramine would be of little use and you may respond better to phenelzine a drug that belongs to a family group of drugs known as Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). However dietary restrictions and side-effects remain a problem.

Detailed Information

Quick Guide

• Antidepressant danger of overdose – HIGH.
• Dependency is said to be – LOW.
• Prescription only drug – YES.
• Available as generic – YES. (generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without patent protection.
• Alcohol Avoidance – YES.
• Alcohol may increase sedative effect of this drug.

Side Effects

You may if on this medication suffer one or more of these side effects, in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all, as it does not follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted adverse effects.

Common: Blurred Vision, Constipation, Dry Mouth, Flushing, Sweating.
Rare: Dizziness, Drowsiness, Palpitations, Rash, Weight Gain.

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using imipramine It does not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist.

Prolonged Use

It is documented that no problems would be expected. When prescribed for children as treatment for bed wetting it is not normally given for periods in access of 3 months. It could also be habit-forming. As with all high risk drugs stopping this drug suddenly after prolonged use may cause severe withdrawal symptoms.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

You should think about avoiding these activities until you become aware of how imipramine affects you. It is possible that this drug may cause reduced alertness and blurred vision. The taking of alcohol may also increase the sedative effects of imipramine.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

It is not known if this drug would be safe in pregnancy. The drug dose pass into the breast milk. However, at normal dosage it would be unlikely to cause problems for the baby. Discuss both issues with your doctor.

Imipramine is classified a pregnancy Category D medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Category D… There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Surgery

Before any surgery discuss your treatment with imipramine with your doctor or dentist etc. as it may need to be stopped before any surgery is carried out.

Tell Your Doctor

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary/alternative preparations.

Over 60′s & Children

A reduced dosage may be necessary for the over sixties as it may have adverse effects. A reduced dosage will be necessary in older children. Not recommended for 7 years and younger. A reduced dose would also be necessary for older children.

Overdose

Imipramine may cause loss of consciousness. You should seek immediate medical advice in all cases. or go to your nearest accident and emergency department of your local hospital taking the container with you. Even if it is empty.

Other Medication Reactions

It is possible for imipramine to increase the properties of sedative drugs. Serious interaction may occur if Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are taken with imipramine. An MAOI should not be started until at least 7–14 days after a tricyclic or related antidepressant (3 weeks in the case of imipramine) has been stopped.If MAOI’s are prescribe it should be under strict medical supervision. Antihypertensive drugs may have their effectiveness reduced by imipramine and the levels of phenytoin may be increased when taking imipramine.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

An abrupt stop in taking this medication can result in unpleasant side effects. See your doctor who will advise a slow withdrawal from the drug.

Effect Of Medication

The effects of this drug can appear within hours. The full benefits of this anti-depressant may take 2 to 6 weeks. Anti-depressant effects may take up to 6 weeks. Side effects would clear within days.

Storage and Safety

• Keep imipramine in its original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach and eye sight of children.
• Do not store medication above a temperature of 25°C.
• Never take more than the original dosage prescribed by your doctor.
• Never take imipramine if it has past the expiry date shown on the box or container.
• Do not discard old or unwanted drugs into your trash, sink or toilet.
• Return all unused or old medicines/drugs to your pharmacist. who will dispose of them

  safely.

If imipramine has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or they feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.

Natural Remedy

Depression can be a natural response to a period of crisis/emotional upset. Sleeping habits often become upset during this period the sufferer getting either to little or to much. If you find yourself in this corner then the Aromatherapist would recommend, Citrus Essences, Clary Sage, Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Sandal Wood. Consistent depression, Chronic depression needs professional help. Arrange to see your GP he may be able to put you in touch with a counsellor or a psychotherapist. Mild depression can be helped by aromatherapy.