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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Imipramine

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Imipramine

  • It can take a few weeks to notice improvement in your depression - do not stop taking imipramine in the belief that it is not working.
  • Your doctor may ask you to carry on taking imipramine after you feel better - this is to help stop your depression from returning.
  • When taken for night-time bed-wetting, imipramine is usually taken for up to three months.

About imipramine

Type of medicineTricyclic antidepressant
Used forTreatment of depression
Treatment of night-time bed-wetting in children
Also calledImipramine hydrochloride
Available asTablets

Imipramine works by preventing chemicals called serotonin and noradrenaline from being reabsorbed back into the nerve cells in the brain. This helps prolong the mood lightening effect of these chemicals, and so helps relieve depression.

Imipramine helps relieve bed-wetting by blocking certain receptors in the wall of the bladder and preventing a chemical called acetylcholine from acting on these receptors. Acetylcholine normally causes the bladder to empty, so by stopping this action, imipramine reduces the need to pass urine.

Before taking imipramine

Before taking imipramine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you take medication for thyroid problems.
  • If you have recently suffered a heart attack, or have experienced any other heart trouble.
  • If you have mood swings or a mental health problem.
  • If you have liver problems.
  • If you have phaeochromocytoma (a growth on the adrenal glands).
  • If you have porphyria (a blood disorder).
  • If you have epilepsy.
  • If you have experienced difficulty passing water, or had prostate trouble.
  • If you have glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye).
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines. This is especially important if you have taken a treatment for depression, known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), recently.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
  • Note: imipramine is not suitable for children under seven years of age.

How to take imipramine

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Follow the instructions given to you by your doctor. If you have been told to take just one dose a day, take it at bedtime, as imipramine may cause drowsiness.
  • When used to treat depression, the starting dose is usually low, and increased gradually as your body gets used to the medicine.
  • Try to take imipramine at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • It can take a few weeks to notice improvement in your depression - do not stop taking imipramine in the belief that it is not working.
  • Your doctor may ask you to carry on taking imipramine after you feel better - this is to help stop your depression from returning.
  • Do not drink alcohol while you are taking imipramine. Alcohol will increase feelings of drowsiness.
  • Try and tell people who are close to you how you feel. It is not weak to cry or admit that you are struggling.
  • When taken for night-time bed-wetting, imipramine is taken for up to three months, after which time your doctor will review the treatment.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can imipramine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Light-headedness or dizziness particularly when standing upGetting up slowly should help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing. If this continues, speak with your doctor
Drowsiness, blurred visionMake sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Avoid alcohol - it will increase any feelings of drowsiness
Dry mouthTry chewing sugar-free gum, or sucking sugar-free sweets
ConstipationTry to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day
Difficulty passing water, fast and fluttery heartbeat, anxiety, confusion, difficulty sleepingSpeak to your doctor if any of these become troublesome

Important: if you are depressed or have an anxiety disorder, you can sometimes have thoughts of harming or killing yourself. These thoughts may be increased when first starting a treatment for depression such as imipramine, or soon after stopping treatment. Tell your doctor straight away if you are having thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store imipramine

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Imipramine Tablets, Actavis UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated June 2008, accessed November 2009.
  • British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
The pharmacists and clinicians responsible for the production of this document are:
Original Author: Helen Allen
Last Checked: 15 Feb 2010		Current Version: Helen Allen
Document ID: 3533  Version: 23		Peer Reviewer: Dr Cathy Jackson
© EMIS 2011
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