Your doctor may have prescribed you this medicine called Imipramine as a treatment for depression . Or sometimes it is also given to control bedwetting in young children. Don't be afraid when you see the name of a medicine. The most important thing is to be fully informed about any medicine before using it. So today, let's talk about Imipramine in simple terms.
What is Imipramine?
Simply put, Imipramine is a medication that treats depression. Medically speaking, it belongs to the group of drugs called Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) . Our brains have chemicals that control our mood. We call these neurotransmitters . Serotonin and Norepinephrine are two of the main ones. A person with depression may have an imbalance in these chemicals. So this medication works by bringing those chemical levels back to normal and helping to improve your mood.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before starting imipramine, it is very important to tell your doctor about your complete health history . Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Your condition or habit | Why should you tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease, rapid or irregular heartbeat, recent heart attack | Imipramine can sometimes affect the heart rate, so great care should be taken when giving it to people with heart disease. |
| Other mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia | This medication can alter some mental symptoms, so an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan are important. |
| Thoughts of harming yourself, suicidal thoughts or attempts (in yourself or a family member) | Antidepressants, especially in the early stages, can increase these thoughts in some people. Let your doctor know about this so they can monitor you closely. |
| Glaucoma condition | Imipramine may increase eye pressure and may worsen glaucoma. |
| Liver or kidney disease | These organs are where drugs are eliminated from the body. If they are not functioning properly, the drugs can accumulate in the body and increase side effects. |
| Seizures or stroke | This medicine may slightly increase the risk of having a fit. |
| Alcohol drinking habit | Taking alcohol and Imipramine together can greatly increase drowsiness and dizziness. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | Since the effects of the medication can also affect the child, you should talk to your doctor and make the best decision. |
How should I use the medicine?
- Take as directed by your doctor: Try to take the dose prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day, and swallow the pill with a glass of water.
- Do not stop suddenly: This is the most important thing. If you stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice, you may experience serious side effects such as dizziness and nausea . Your mental state may also worsen. If you do stop, do so gradually, reducing the dose, and under the supervision of your doctor.
- If given to children: This is prescribed for children over 6 years of age for some conditions. But special care should be taken with it. Follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
- Overdose: If you think you have taken more than the recommended dose, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
- If you miss a dose: If you forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. It has been prescribed to you based on your condition and your medical condition. Therefore, never share it with anyone else.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Imipramine can interact with other medications, certain foods, and your habits. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed by other doctors, over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, vitamins).
Taking Imipramine with the following can be very dangerous.
- MAOIs: Drugs like Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate. Taking these two together can be life-threatening.
- Medications for other mental illnesses such as Thioridazine and Pimozide .
- Linezolid is an antibiotic.
- The traditional herb St. John's Wort .
Also, you should be very careful when taking Imipramine with the following things.
- Some medications for high blood pressure (e.g. Clonidine)
- Medications given for fits (e.g. Carbamazepine, Phenytoin)
- Sleeping pills, painkillers
- Thyroid hormones
- Alcohol and drugs
What are the things to be careful about when taking imipramine?
Be aware of changes in mood.
This is very important. If you experience any anxiety, restlessness, anger, or suicidal thoughts, whether during the first few weeks of taking the medication or after changing the dosage, talk to your doctor right away. It's a good idea to let your family know about this, as they may notice these changes more than you do.
Drowsiness and dizziness
This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. So , do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you. Especially if you are an elderly person, you may feel dizzy and fall when you stand up suddenly or get out of bed. So do such things with caution.
Dry mouth, constipation, and dry eyes
- For dry mouth: Chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free candy, and drinking small amounts of water throughout the day can help.
- For constipation: Check to see if you are passing stool at least once every 2-3 days. If not, tell your doctor. It is best to eat foods high in fiber (fruits, vegetables) and drink plenty of water.
- For dry eyes: If you wear contact lenses, you may experience eye discomfort. Lubricating drops can be used. If the problem persists, see an eye doctor.
Sun sensitivity
Your skin may be very sensitive to the sun while taking this medicine. So avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. If you do go outside, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen .
What side effects might I experience?
Like all medicines, Imipramine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
| If you experience these symptoms , tell your doctor immediately or go to the ETU. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Changes in heart rate | Heart palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, difficulty breathing. |
| Serotonin Syndrome | Unimaginable anxiety, confusion, excessive sweating, tremors, muscle stiffness, high fever, vomiting. |
| Other serious symptoms | Seizures, sudden eye pain, blurred vision, difficulty urinating, suicidal thoughts. |
| These side effects are usually not serious, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Common side effects | Dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, loss of appetite, tremors, changes in sexual desire or function. |
Take-Home Message
- Imipramine is a medication that treats conditions such as depression and balances brain chemicals.
- Never stop taking this medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any medical conditions you have before starting the medication.
- During the initial period of taking the medication, be very careful about your mental state, especially thoughts of suicide. If you notice any changes, tell your doctor immediately.
- If serious side effects occur (such as changes in heart rate, allergies, fits), seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else.
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