Imipramine

Imipramine is a drug to relieve the symptoms of depression. In addition, this drug can also be used in the treatment of bedwetting that occurs continuously ( enuresis) in children over 6 years old.

Imipramine works by restoring the balance of neurotransmitters or natural substances in the brain that affect mood , namely norepinephrine and serotonin. That way, symptoms such as excessive anxiety or 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 casually and should be according to the doctor's prescription.

Imipramine brand name: Tofranil

What Is Imipramine

Warnings Before Consuming Imipramine

Imipramine can only be used according to a doctor's prescription. Here are some things you need to pay attention to before consuming 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 had or are currently suffering from heart disease , stroke, seizures , kidney disease, glaucoma , liver disease, prostate enlargement , or other mental disorders, such as bipolar or schizophrenia .
• Tell your doctor if in the last 14 days you have recently used MAOI drugs, such as selegiline . Imipramine should not be used if you are or have recently used the drug.
• Tell your doctor if you have recently had a heart attack . Imipramine should not be used in patients who have recently experienced the condition.
• Tell your doctor if you have recently hurt yourself or had suicidal thoughts .
• Avoid driving a vehicle or doing activities that require alertness during treatment with imipramine, because this drug can cause dizziness and drowsiness .
• Avoid direct exposure to sunlight and always use sunscreen when outdoors during treatment with imipramine, as this drug can cause your skin to be more sensitive to exposure to sunlight.
• Do not consume alcoholic beverages while you are undergoing treatment with imipramine, as it will increase the risk of side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are using drugs, supplements, or herbal products.
• See a doctor immediately if an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose occurs after consuming imipramine.

Dosage and Administration of Imipramine

The dose of imipramine varies for each patient. The doctor will determine the dose according to the patient's age and condition. Here is the explanation:

Condition: Depression

• Adults: 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 severe depression, the dose can be increased to 100 mg, 3 times a day.

Condition: Habit of bedwetting ( enuresis )

• Children aged 6–7 years: 25 mg per day.
• Children aged 8–11 years: 25–50 mg per day.
• Children aged >11 years: 50–75 mg per day.

The dose can be increased to 75 mg per day and the maximum duration of treatment is 3 months.

How to Consume Imipramine Correctly

Consumption of imipramine according to the doctor 's recommendations and instructions on the drug packaging. Do not change the dose without first consulting a doctor. Imipramine can be consumed before or after meals.

To overcome the habit of bedwetting in children, consume imipramine 1 hour before bedtime.

If you forget to take imipramine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the 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, except on the advice of a doctor.

Store imipramine in a place away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.

Imipramine Interactions with Other Drugs

There are several interaction effects that can occur if imipramine is consumed with certain drugs, among others:

• Decreased antihypertensive effect of methyldopa , clonidine, or reserpine
• Increased levels of imipramine in the blood if consumed with phenothiazine, terbinafine , cimetidine, beta blockers, calcium antagonists, or SSRI antidepressants, such as fluxetine
• Increased levels of carbamazepine or phenytoin in the blood
• Increased risk of tachycardia if consumed with cotrimoxazole , thioridazine, or cisapride
• Increased risk of hypotension if consumed with diuretic drugs
• Increased risk of fatal side effects, such as hypertension, seizures, even coma, if consumed with MAOI drugs , such as isocarboxazid

Side Effects and Dangers of Imipramine

Some of the side effects that can arise after consuming imipramine are:

• Headache, dizziness, or drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Nausea, vomiting , loss of appetite, or increased appetite
• Weight gain
• Diarrhea , constipation, or stomach pain
• Blurred vision
• Excessive sweating

Check with a doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not subside or get worse. See a doctor immediately if you experience a serious drug allergic reaction or side effect, such as:

• Serotonin syndrome , which can be characterized by symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, hallucinations , loss of balance, severe nausea or vomiting, twitching that does not stop, or restlessness
• Breasts feel sore , enlarged, or milk comes out of the breast when not breastfeeding
• Sleep disturbances , heavy and unusual tiredness, excessive fear, or the urge to hurt yourself
• Irregular menstrual cycles or decreased sexual desire
• Tremors, numbness , or tingling in the hands and feet
• Infectious diseases, which can be characterized by symptoms such as fever or sore throat that do not improve
• Severe abdominal pain, dark urine, or jaundice