Actions and Spectrum:

Antidepressant: Imipramine is primarily used for the treatment of depression. It works by inhibiting the reuptake of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine, leading to increased levels of these chemicals in the brain. By restoring the balance of these neurotransmitters, imipramine helps to alleviate symptoms of depression.

Anxiolytic: Imipramine has anxiolytic properties, meaning it can help reduce anxiety symptoms. It can be used to treat generalized anxiety disorder and certain anxiety disorders such as panic disorder and social anxiety disorder.

Antinociceptive: Imipramine has analgesic properties and can help alleviate pain. It is sometimes used in the treatment of chronic pain conditions, such as neuropathic pain or fibromyalgia. The exact mechanism of its analgesic action is not fully understood.

Enuresis treatment: Imipramine is also used to treat bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis) in children. It can help reduce the frequency of bedwetting episodes by affecting bladder control.

Spectrum of effects: Imipramine affects multiple neurotransmitter systems in the brain, including serotonin, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine. This broad spectrum of action contributes to its antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. However, it also leads to a range of side effects, which should be monitored and managed by a healthcare professional.

DRUG INTERACTION

Contraindicated  

Serious Use Alternative  

Monitor Closely  

Minor  

Frequency undefined: 

Fatigue 

Lethargy 

Sedation 

Weakness 

Constipation 

Dry mouth 

Blurred vision 

Agitation 

Anxiety 

Headache 

Insomnia 

Nausea 

Vomiting 

Sweating 

ECG changes 

Tachycardia 

Confusion 

Extrapyramidal symptoms 

Dizziness 

Paresthesis 

Tinnitus 

Rash 

Increased LFTs 

Sexual dysfunction 

Seizure 

Agranulocytosis 

Eosinophilia 

Leukopenia 

Thrombocytopenia 

SIADH 

Black Box Warning:

Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Imipramine is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to the formulation’s active ingredient and other excipients. 

Pregnancy consideration:  

Imipramine should only be used in pregnant women if the potential benefits outweigh the risk to the fetus. 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

Use the drug cautiously during lactation, as imipramine is excreted in breast milk. 

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: Satisfactory and well-controlled studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
• Category B: No evidence shows the risk to the fetus found in animal reproduction studies, and there are not enough studies on pregnant women.    
• Category C: Adverse effects on the fetus found with evidence in animal reproduction studies and no adequate evidence for a product in humans; Pregnant women must take care of the potential risks. 
• Category D: There is adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms. However, despite potential dangers may be used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over the benefits. The drug is not for pregnant women. 
• Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category. 

 

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name:  imipramine 

Pronounced: im-i-prah-mine 

Why do we use imipramine? 

imipramine is used for several medical conditions. Here are some common uses of imipramine:

imipramine is primarily prescribed for the treatment of depression. It works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, which helps improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression.

imipramine is also used in the treatment of nocturnal enuresis, which is bedwetting that occurs during sleep. It can help reduce the frequency of bedwetting episodes by affecting the bladder’s ability to hold urine and improving nighttime bladder control.

imipramine is sometimes prescribed for the treatment of panic disorder and panic attacks. It can help reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks and alleviate associated symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and intense fear or anxiety.