Desipramine (By Mouth)

Desipramine (dess-IP-ra-meen)

Treats depression. Belongs to a class of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants.

Brand Name(s):

Norpramin
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use desipramine if you have had an allergic reaction to desipramine, or to any other tricyclic antidepressant (such as Elavil® or nortriptyline). You should not use desipramine if you have had a recent heart attack or are taking an MAO inhibitor medicine (such as Nardil® or Parnate®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take with or without food.
• If you are taking desipramine for depression, it may be several weeks before you start to feel better.
• Do not suddenly stop taking desipramine without asking your doctor.

If a dose is missed:

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take your medicine and skip the missed dose.
• If you take one dose a day at bedtime, You should not use the missed dose the next morning unless you have talked to your doctor.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store this medicine in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Avoid drinking alcohol.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking other medicines that could make you sleepy such as sleeping pills, sedatives, cold or allergy medicines, narcotic pain killers, muscle relaxants, or tranquilizers.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Check with your doctor before taking desipramine if you have glaucoma, high blood pressure, heart problems, asthma, stomach problems, seizures, trouble urinating, or if you have kidney or liver disease.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Be careful when driving a car or using machinery.
• Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking desipramine.
• Desipramine may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Fast, pounding heartbeat
• Fainting
• Severe agitation or restlessness
• Strange thoughts or behavior, including thoughts of hurting yourself

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Trouble sleeping
• Drowsiness or headache
• Dry mouth or eyes, nausea, or weight changes
• Constipation or trouble urinating
• Trouble having sex (impotence)
• Changes in vision such as trouble focusing

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.