Imipramine Hydrochloride

What side effects are possible with this medication?

A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. A side effect may be mild or severe, temporary or permanent, but does not occur in everyone. The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away over time. If you develop any of these side effects (or any other side effects not listed here) or they change in intensity, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice on managing them and on the risks and benefits of the medication.

blurred vision confusion or delirium constipation decreased sexual drive or ability diarrhea difficulty urinating dizziness drowsiness dryness of mouth fast or irregular heartbeat

headache heartburn increased or decreased appetite increased sweating nausea tiredness or weakness trouble sleeping unpleasant taste vomiting weight gain

Click here to learn about serious side effects that can potentially occur with any medication. These examples are provided for information purposes only and are not meant to be exhaustive. Always consult your doctor for sound medical advice specific to your particular medication and treatment.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Diabetes: Both elevation and lowering of blood sugar levels have been reported with imipramine use. People with diabetes or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) should monitor their blood glucose levels closely while taking this medication.

Emotional and behavioral changes: Adults and children taking this medication may feel agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, and not feeling like themselves), or they may want to hurt themselves or others. These symptoms may occur after people have been taking this medication for several weeks. People should be closely monitored by their doctor for emotional and behavioral changes, especially during the first few months of taking imipramine or during any dose changes (either increases or decreases in dosage).

Exposure to sunlight: With excessive exposure to sunlight, imipramine can make your skin more prone to burning.

Heart rhythm: Imipramine can cause abnormal heart rhythms, particularly when taken in high doses. Therefore, seniors and those with a history of heart disease should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition or medications may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Medical conditions: Imipramine should be used with caution by people with a history of seizures, reduced liver function, reduced kidney function, heart conditions, glaucoma, thyroid disease, a history of mania or bipolar disorder, and those with a history of urinary retention or cardiovascular disease. People undergoing electrocon vulsive therapy (ECT) should not receive imipramine unless the benefits outweigh the risks.

Reduce alertness: Imipramine may impair the mental alertness or physical abilities required for performing daily activities. Take caution and avoid driving a car or operating machinery while taking this medication.

Risk of suicide for children, adolescents, and adults: Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents who have major depression or other mental health conditions. It is not known if this risk also applies to adults.

Signs of fever and sore throat: Notify your doctor if you develop a fever and sore throat while on imipramine. Your doctor may want to perform some lab tests to ensure your blood cell counts are in a normal range.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking imipramine, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for children under 6 years of age.

Seniors: Use of this medication has not been well studied in people over the age of 65.

What other drugs could interact with this medication?

There may be an interaction between imipramine and any of the following:

• alcohol
• anticholinergic medications (e.g., benztropine)
• barbiturates (e.g., secobarbital)
• carbamazepine
• cimetidine
• clonidine
• decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine)
• divalproex sodium, valproic acid
• flecainide
• MAO inhibitors (e.g., selegiline, tranylcyoromine)
• methylphenidate
• phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine, thioridazine)
• phenytoin
• propafenone
• quinidine
• SSRI antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, fluvoxamine)
• thyroid medications (e.g., levothyroxine)

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.