What is Desipramine?
Desipramine is a tricyclic drug used for treating depression symptoms. Desipramine can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Side effects of Desipramine
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergy reaction: difficulty breathing, hives or any form of facial, throat or tongue swelling: seek medical advice immediately! You should tell your doctor if any symptoms worsen or change, including anxiety, attacks of panic, or mood changes. Also, you may feel more impulsive or aggressive, restless or hyperactive, mentally or physically, and/or irritable.
Desipramine may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Easy bruising or bleeding; purple or red patches under the skin
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Confusion, hallucinations, or unusual behavior.
- Blurred vision or tunnel vision; eye swelling and pain
- Heartbeats pounding or heart fluttering;
- Sudden numbness, weakness, or problems in speech or vision;
- Fever, sore throat
- Simple bruising or unusual bleeding of the nose, mouth, vagina, or recto: these symptoms could signal that something else may be going on;
- Urination that is painful or difficult
- Upper stomach pain (loss of appetite), jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes
- A seizure;
- Severe nervous system reaction: very stiff muscles (rigid), high fever, sweating, and confusion. Fast or irregular heartbeats. Tremors. It feels like you're going to pass out.
If you experience symptoms such as the following: hallucinations or agitation; rapid heartbeat; muscle stiffness and twitching The likelihood of serious side effects is higher in elderly adults with illnesses or disabilities.
Desipramine can cause the following side effects:
- Increased blood pressure
- Feeling tingly, weak, and lacking coordination
- Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
- Breast swelling in men and women
- Weight gain or loss of weight.
There may be other side effects.Call your physician immediately if experiencing side effects; report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 for help and reporting purposes.
Similar/related drugs
Sertraline, Trazadone, Lexapro, Citalopram, Zoloft, and Cymbalta
Warnings
If you've recently suffered a heart attack, then desipramine is not recommended. This medicine should not be taken within 14 days of taking MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid or linezolid. When first starting an antidepressant, some young people may have suicidal thoughts. Be alert for any changes in mood or symptoms. Notify your doctor of any symptoms that are new or getting worse.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to desipramine, then:
- If you've recently suffered a heart attack,
If you've used a MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days, do not take desipramine. Drug interactions can occur. Some MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and selegiline. You should not start taking an MAOI until at least two weeks after stopping desipramine. You should tell your doctor if, in the last 5 weeks, you used any "SSRI" (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressants, including citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine, paroxetine (Zoloft), sertraline, trazodone, or vilazodone.
If you've ever:
- Bipolar disorder (manic depression) or schizophrenia;
- Mental illness, or psychosis.
- Liver disease
- Heart disease
- A family history of sudden deaths related to heart rhythm disorders;
- A heart attack, stroke, or seizures;
- A thyroid condition;
- Glaucoma;
- Urination problems.
Make sure to tell your doctor if you are also taking stimulant medicines, opioids, herbs, or medications for mental illnesses like Parkinson’s disease or migraine headaches. This medication may cause serotonin-induced syndrome, a potentially serious side effect. When first starting an antidepressant, some young people may have suicidal thoughts. Regular visits to your doctor are a good way for you and your doctor to monitor the progress of treatment. You or your family members should be aware of any changes you may experience in mood or symptoms. Inform your doctor of any pregnancy or nursing. Desipramine should not be used by those under 18 years of age.
How to take Desipramine?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as prescribed. Tell your doctor if you are planning surgery that you use desipramine. It may be necessary to temporarily stop using desipramine. Your symptoms may not improve for up to three weeks. Continue to take the prescribed medication, and inform your doctor of any symptoms that do not improve. If you suddenly stop taking desipramine, it may cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. You should ask your doctor about how you can safely discontinue this medication. Keep the bottle at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. When not in use, keep the bottle closed tightly.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for depression:
Take 100–200 mg daily orally.
Maximum dose: 300 mg/day
Comments:
Doses can be started at lower levels and then increased in accordance with tolerance and response.
If needed, the dose can be increased up to 300mg per day in severely ill patients.
In general, patients who require 300 mg or more should be treated in the hospital.
Depression Treatment
The usual geriatric dose for depression:
Take 25–100 mg per day orally.
Maximum dose: 150 mg/day
Comments:
Doses can be started at lower levels and then increased based on tolerance and response.
The initial treatment can be administered once a day or divided into two doses.
If needed, the dose can be increased up to 150 mg/day in severely ill patients.
Most patients shouldn't exceed 100 mg per day.
Depression Treatment
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for the next dose, skip it. Never take more than one dose at a time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. A desipramine overdose can be deadly. Overdose symptoms include seizures or coma, as well as irregular heartbeats.
What should be avoided?
Alcohol and desipramine can cause dangerous side effects or even death. You should avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you are sure of how you will react to desipramine. You may be unable to react properly. Avoid tanning or exposure to the sun. Desipramine may make it easier for you to get sunburned. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher).
Interaction with other drug
This effect can be worsened by taking desipramine along with drugs that cause drowsiness. Before taking an opioid, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, anxiety medications, or medicines for seizures or anxiety, consult your doctor. Desipramine can be affected by many drugs. Included are prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, vitamin, and other products. This list does not include all interactions. Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking and those that you will stop or start using.
