What is this medication for?
Imipramine belongs to the class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). These medications are used to treat depression. Imipramine helps improve symptoms of depression by increasing the amount of the natural chemicals in the brain called norepinephrine and serotonin. Imipramine is also used to treat bedwetting for children.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Imipramine Hydrochloride by Mutual Pharm is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended starting dose for treatment of depression in adults is 75 mg daily in divided doses. This dose is usually increased gradually until the most effective dose is found. The maximum daily dose is 200 mg daily. It may take several weeks before the medication has its full effect so you should be patient with the results. Your doctor will try to eventually prescribe the lowest dose that is effective. Once this dose has been reached, you may be able to take your entire dose at bedtime as recommended by your doctor.
Seniors are more prone to side effects and should use a lower dose of this medication. Do not abruptly stop taking imipramine. If you wish to discontinue using it, speak with your doctor first and discuss discontinuing impramine slowly.
The recommended dose for children 6 years of age and older is based on body weight and is only used for treatment of bedwetting. The maximum dose is 75 mg daily taken at bedtime or in 2 divided doses.
Imipramine may be taken with or without food.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Imipramine should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to imipramine or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- is recovering from a heart attack
- has taken a MAO inhibitor (e.g., moclobemide, phenelzine) in the last 14 days