Imipramine
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Molecule Summary
| Uses | Major depressive disorder, Temporary management of nocturnal enuresis |
| Therapy | Anti-Depressant |
| Side Effects | Constipation, Urinary retention, Weight gain, Confusion, Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing), Tiredness, Blurred vision, Dry mouth, Delirium, Dizziness, Seizures |
Medicines
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19k pincodes
Molecule Description
Imipramine is a prescription medication. It is an antidepressant used primarily to treat the symptoms of major depressive disorder. In addition to treating depression, this medicine is also used for the temporary management of nocturnal enuresis (night bedwetting) in children. It belongs to a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants.
Uses
- Imipramine is used in the treatment of:
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Temporary management of nocturnal enuresis (night bedwetting) in children
Contraindications
When should one not use Imipramine
- If you have hypersensitivity to the active or inactive ingredients of this medicine
- If you have a history of heart conditions, such as irregular heart rhythm or myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- If you are diagnosed with angle-closure glaucoma, prostate enlargement, liver disease, and urinary retention. This medicine is contraindicated.
- If you are diagnosed with porphyrias (a rare inherited metabolic disorder); this medication should be avoided.
- If you have a history of bipolar disorder, mania, or a family history of mania. This medicine is contraindicated.
- If you are a child under six. Imipramine is not meant for use in children under six.
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Side effects of Imipramine include:
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Somnolence (sleepiness)
- Urinary retention
- Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing up)
- Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
- Heart rhythm abnormalities
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Delirium
- Seizures
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Breast Feeding
Driving
Alcohol
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You take other medications for your health.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You experience any discomfort or sudden mood changes.
- You are an adolescent or young adult under 24. Use extreme caution as Imipramine may increase suicidal thoughts in this age group.
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
Imipramine belongs to a class of medications called Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) that act on multiple brain pathways to increase levels of certain chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. It works by increasing the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine levels that affect mood and personality. In the long term, it increases the levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). This reduces the symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder. In addition to serotonin and norepinephrine, imipramine also acts on multiple other brain pathways involving dopamine, histamine, acetylcholine, and epinephrine. It is important to note that Imipramine as an antidepressant requires about 2-4 weeks of continued use for the optimal onset of action.
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- Imipramine can interact with many medicines and cause adverse side effects. It is advised to inform the doctor of all medication being taken to be checked for possible interaction issues. The following medicines are known to interact with Imipramine.
- Concomitant use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of MAOIs use is not advised. Examples of MAOIs include selegiline and rasagiline.
- Imipramine with other medication, like isocarboxazid, that increase serotonin levels can be fatal.
- Do not use Imipramine with medicines that decrease the seizure threshold.
- Do not use Imipramine with other CNS depressants.
- Imipramine should not be mixed with opioid medications or benzodiazepines.
- Imipramine affects heart rhythm and should not be used in addition to other medicine (like astemizole and cisapride) with the same effect. This can lead to life-threatening conditions.
- This medication can potentiate the effect of anticoagulants, resulting in bleeding manifestations.
- Concomitant use with beta-blockers can increase the blood concentrations of imipramine and increase side effects.
Dosage
Overdose
Imipramine toxicity can be serious and even fatal. In an overdose, the affected person may present with sedation, seizure, coma, increased heart rate, low blood pressure, dilated pupils, dry mouth, and have difficulty passing urine or stools, abnormal heart rhythms, and low urine output. If you overdose on Imipramine and experience these symptoms, immediately seek emergency medical treatment from a nearby hospital.
Missed a Dose
If you have missed a dose of Imipramine, try to take it as soon as you remember. If you recall the missed dose when it is almost time for the next one, skip the missed one and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take both of them together; this can lead to adverse reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Did you find this helpful?
References:
- Imipramine Hydrochloride Tablets USP 10 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg [Internet]. accessdata.fda.gov [cited 10 June 2026]
- Fayez R, Gupta V. Imipramine. [Updated 2021 Nov 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. 2022 [cited 10 June 2026] -
- Imipramine Tablets BP 25 mg: Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) [Internet]. medicines.org.uk. 2022 [cited 10 June 2026] -
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