Imipramine: Benefits, Dosage and Side Effects

Imipramine is a prescription medication available in the form of oral tablets and oral capsules. The oral tablet form of Imipramine is sold under the brand name Tofranil and is also available as a generic drug.

Imipramine is used to treat:

• Depressive symptoms (mood disorders)
• Nighttime bed-wetting (enuresis)in children 6 years and older

Imipramine Uses

• Treatment of Depression:
• Enhances mood, sleep, appetite, and energy levels.
• Helps regain interest in everyday living.

• Treatment of Bed-Wetting in Children:
• Helps control nighttime bed-wetting.
• Blocks the effect of acetylcholine on the bladder.
• Sometimes for anxiety, panic disorder, or chronic pain (off-label)

• Quick Highlight of Its Benefits:
• Effective for both mood stabilization and enuresis control
• Long track record of use in clinical practice
• Can also relieve certain chronic pain and anxiety symptoms

How Imipramine Works

• Imipramine belongs to the class of tricyclic antidepressants.
• It restores the balance of certain natural substances in the brain, such as norepinephrine-like neurotransmitters.
• For bed-wetting, it blocks the effect of acetylcholine on the bladder.

Dosage Instructions To Follow

Drug Forms and Strengths

• Generic: Imipramine
• Form: Oral tablet
• Strengths: 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg

Brand: Tofranil

• Form: Oral tablet
• Strengths: 50 mg

Missed Dose

• Missing one or two doses may not have a significant effect.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to your next dose.
• Do not double the dose to make up for a missed dose.

Overdose

• Overdose can be accidental and harmful.
• If you take more than the prescribed amount, seek medical attention immediately.

Imipramine Side Effects

Common Side Effects

• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Weakness or tiredness
• Excitement or anxiety
• Dry mouth
• Increased skin sensitivity
• Constipation
• Difficulty urinating
• Excessive sweating

Serious Side Effects

• Jaw, neck and back muscle spasms
• Shuffling walk
• Difficulty in swallowing and breathing
• Rash
• Yellowing of the skin
• Irregular heartbeat

Note: Contact your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects.

Precautions and Warnings of Imipramine

Precautions

• Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Imipramine or any other medications.
• The product may contain inactive ingredients that could cause allergic reactions or other problems.
• Discuss your medical history with your doctor, particularly if you have:
• Breathing problems
• Glaucoma
• Diabetes
• Liver or kidney problems
• Seizures
• Overactive thyroid

Warnings for Serious Health Conditions

• Bipolar Disorder: Imipramine may worsen mania symptoms.
• Trouble Urinating: May worsen symptoms, consult your doctor.
• Open-angle Glaucoma: May worsen the condition, your doctor will monitor your vision.
• Seizure Disorder: May increase the number of seizures.
• Heart Disease: May worsen the condition, especially if you have a history of heart disease, heart attack, stroke or rapid heartbeat.

Special Considerations

• Pregnant Women: Not recommended by the FDA; safety and efficacy not established.
• Breastfeeding: May transfer into breast milk and cause side effects in the child. Consult your doctor.

How to Take Imipramine

• Imipramine is taken by mouth as a tablet or capsule.
• For depression, take it one or more times a day, with or without food.
• For bed-wetting, take it one hour before bedtime. Children may need one dose in the mid-afternoon and another at bedtime.
• Take Imipramine at the same time each day.
• It may take 1-3 weeks or longer to experience the full benefits.
• Do not stop taking Imipramine without consulting your doctor, who may need to reduce your dosage gradually.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Using Imipramine?

• Approved for children over 6 years (for enuresis)
• Use in children and adolescents requires close monitoring for suicidal thoughts
• Caution advised in elderly due to higher side effect risk

Alcohol or Food Interactions

• Avoid alcohol, as it may increase drowsiness and risk of side effects
• No major food restrictions, but take with food if stomach upset occurs

Possible Interactions with Other Medications

May Interact With:

• MAO inhibitors (risk of serious interactions)
• SSRIs (risk of serotonin syndrome)
• Antihistamines or sedatives (enhanced drowsiness)
• Blood pressure medications
• Anticholinergic drugs (increased side effects)

Tell your doctor about all drugs, supplements, or herbs you use.

How Should Imipramine Be Stored?

Recommended Storage:

• Keep at room temperature (68ºF to 77ºF / 20ºC to 25ºC).
• Keep away from heat, air, and light.
• Store in a safe place, out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not flush down the toilet or pour into the sink; consult your pharmacist for disposal instructions.

What Happens If Not Stored Properly?

• May degrade or lose effectiveness
• Keep out of reach of children and pets

Important Advice

• Always consult your doctor before taking Imipramine.
• In case of any problems or side effects, seek immediate medical attention.
• Carry your medications while traveling to avoid emergencies.
• Follow your prescription and doctor's advice when taking Imipramine.

Imipramine vs Amitriptyline

References

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY OF IMIPRAMINE AND RELATED ANTIDEPRESSANT COMPOUNDS