Imipramine is a medication to relieve symptoms of depression. In addition, this drug can also be used in the treatment of bedwetting that occurs continuously-(enuresis) in children older than 6 years.
Imipramine works by restoring the balance of neurotransmitters or natural substances in the brain that affect mood (mood), namely norepinephrine and serotonin. Thus, symptoms such as excessive anxiety or mood swings (mood swings) can subside.
This drug also has an anticholinergic effect so it can be used in the treatment of bedwetting in children. Imipramine should not be used carelessly and must be prescribed by a doctor.
imipramine trademark: tofranil
What is Imipramine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Tricyclic antidepressants |
| Benefit | Overcoming depression or bed-wetting habits in children |
| Consumed by | Adults and children >6 years old |
| Imipramine for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Imipramine may be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Warnings Before Taking Imipramine
Imipramine should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. Here are some things you need to pay attention to before taking imipramine:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Imipramine should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from heart disease, stroke, seizures, kidney disease, glaucoma, liver disease, enlarged prostate, or another mental disorder, such as bipolar or schizophrenia.
- Tell your doctor if in the last 14 days you have used an MAOI drug, such as selegiline. Imipramine should not be used if you are or have recently used this medicine.
- Tell your doctor if you have recently had a heart attack. Imipramine should not be used in patients who have recently developed the condition.
- Tell your doctor if you have recently hurt yourself or have suicidal thoughts.
- Avoid driving a vehicle or doing activities that require alertness while you are taking imipramine, as this medicine can cause dizziness and drowsiness.
- Avoid direct sunlight and always use sunscreen when you are outdoors while taking imipramine, as this medicine can make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while you are taking imipramine, as this will increase the risk of side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking imipramine.
Dosage and Instructions for Use Imipramine
The dose of imipramine varies in each patient. The doctor will determine the dose according to the age and condition of the patient. Here is the explanation:
Condition: Depression
- Mature: The initial dose is 75 mg per day. The dose can be increased to 150–200 mg per day. The maintenance dose is 50–150 mg per day. For major depression, the dose may be increased to 100 mg, 3 times daily.
Condition: Wetting the bed (enuresis)
- Children aged 6–7 years: 25 mg per day.
- Children aged 8–11 years: 25–50 mg per day.
- Children >11 years old: 50–75 mg per day.
The dose can be increased up to 75 mg per day and the maximum duration of treatment is 3 months.
How to Take Imipramine Correctly
Take imipramine as directed by your doctor and the instructions on the medicine package. Do not change the dose without consulting your doctor first. Imipramine can be taken before or after meals.
To overcome the habit of bedwetting in children, take imipramine 1 hour before bedtime.
If you forget to take imipramine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of your next dose, ignore the missed dose. Do not double the dose of imipramine to make up for a missed dose.
Do not stop treatment with imipramine even if you feel better, unless advised by your doctor.
Store imipramine in a place away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Imipramine Interactions with Other Drugs
There are several interactions that can occur if imipramine is taken with certain drugs, including:
- Decreased antihypertensive effect of methyldopa, clonidine, or reserpine
- Increased blood levels of imipramine when taken with phenothiazines, terbinafine, cimetidine, beta-blocking drugs, calcium antagonists, or SSRI antidepressants, such as fluxetine
- Increased blood levels of carbamazepine or phenytoin
- Increased risk of tachycardia if taken with cotrimoxazole, thioridazine, or cisapride
- Increased risk of hypotension if taken with diuretic drugs
- Increased risk of fatal side effects, such as hypertension, seizures, and even coma, if taken with MAOI drugs, such as isocarboxazid
Imipramine Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that can occur after taking imipramine are:
- Headache, dizziness, or drowsiness
- dry mouth
- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or an increase in appetite
- Weight gain
- Diarrhea, constipation, or stomach pain
- Blurred vision
- Excessive sweating
Check with a doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not go away or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or a serious side effect, such as:
- Serotonin syndrome, which can be characterized by symptoms such as a fast heart rate, hallucinations, loss of balance, severe nausea or vomiting, twitching that won't stop, or restlessness
- Breasts feel sore, enlarged, or milky discharge from the breast when not breastfeeding
- Sleep disturbances, unusually severe fatigue, excessive fear, or an urge to hurt yourself
- Irregular menstrual cycles or decreased sex drive
- Tremors, numbness, or tingling in the hands and feet
- Infectious disease, which can be characterized by symptoms such as fever or sore throat that does not improve
- Severe stomach pain, dark urine, or jaundice
