Where is Imipramine used?
Imipramine is used for the treatment of depression. This is in the class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants. Using this medication to treat depression may improve your sleep, mood, energy levels, and appetite. This might help you restore your interest in daily living as well. Imipramine restores the balance of certain natural substances in the brain.
Imipramine may also be used for the treatment of bedwetting. It usually happens in children for 6 six years and over. This is used when other treatments haven’t been effective.
How does Imipramine work?
Imipramine enhances the activity of neurotransmitters called noradrenaline and serotonin in the brain. Neurotransmitters are a natural body chemical that acts as chemical messengers between the nerve cells. Noradrenaline and serotonin are known to be involved in regulating behavior, mood, and emotions. In depression, less noradrenaline and serotonin than normal is released from nerve cells in the brain. This medication prolongs the effects of noradrenaline and serotonin that have been released in the brain. Over time, this helps to lighten the mood and relieve depression.
In bedwetting, Imipramine blocks receptors called cholinergic or muscarinic receptors. These are found on the surface of muscle cells in the bladder wall. This helps the muscle in the bladder wall to relax which decreases unstable and involuntary contractions of the bladder. It increases the capacity of the bladder to hold urine and lessens the need to pass urine. Imipramine, therefore, can help the child stay dry at night.
How is Imipramine taken?
This medication is to be taken by mouth usually 1 to 4 times a day. You may take each dose with or without a meal or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your condition and response to the treatment. In children, the dosage will also base on their body weight. Your doctor may start you at a low dose and gradually increase it.
When used in children for bed-wetting, this medication should be taken one hour before bedtime. When used for an extended period in children for bed-wetting, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. If this drug stops functioning well, call your doctor right away.
What are the possible side effects of Imipramine?
- Lack of coordination
- Weakness
- Increased sweating
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
What are the precautions in using Imipramine?
- Imipramine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision that may reduce your ability to drive. Do not drive if affected until you know how this drug affects you.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment. It will make you more likely to feel dizzy, sleepy, or confused.
- Imipramine can cause a dry mouth that may increase the risk of tooth decay. It is important to practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups.
- This prescription is not recommended for use in people with severe liver disease, irregular heartbeats, a manic phase of bipolar disorder, closed-angle glaucoma, and rare hereditary blood disorders called porphyrias.
- This should be carefully used in people with heart disease, low blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, chronic constipation, diabetes, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and glaucoma.
- If you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, consult your doctor first before taking a dose of Imipramine.
- Let your doctor know if you have any allergies or if you ever had an allergic reaction to this drug.
