Imipramine

About Imipramine

This belongs to the group of medicines known as tricyclic antidepressants.

Imipramine is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Tofranil. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

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 suffer from liver or thyroid problems
• if you have recently suffered a heart attack
• if you suffer from epilepsy, hypotension (low blood pressure), phaeochromocytoma (a growth on the adrenal glands), glaucoma, if you are experiencing or have ever experienced difficulty urinating (passing water), psychoses (mental problems), porphyria (a blood disorder) or diabetes
• if you are prone to dizziness or fainting, particularly when getting up from a lying or sitting position
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to take Imipramine

• Always read the manufacturer’s information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take imipramine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Imipramine may take several weeks before you begin to feel the benefits of this treatment.
• Do not stop taking imipramine without speaking to your doctor first. Stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems and your doctor will probably want to reduce your dose gradually.
• Take imipramine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses. If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember and take the next dose at the usual time. If it is almost time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose and continue taking it at the normal times.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of imipramine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any ‘over-the-counter’ medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe to take alongside imipramine.
• Imipramine can cause drowsiness and blurred vision. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly.
• Try to avoid alcohol as it will increase feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, drink only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking imipramine.
• Imipramine can occasionally cause dry mouth. If you experience this try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking ice or sugar-free sweets. If dry mouth becomes too troublesome, discuss the problem with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Imipramine may cause some people to sweat more than they usually do. If you experience this, take care not to become overheated during exercise or hot weather.
• Imipramine can cause some people to become more sensitive to sunlight than they usually are. Try to avoid sunlight and sunbeds or use a suncream higher than factor 15 until you know how your skin reacts.
• If you have diabetes, make sure you check your blood sugar levels regularly as imipramine can affect the levels of sugar in your blood.

Can Imipramine cause problems?

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

Drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, difficulty urinating (passing water), sweating, feeling sick, a fast or fluttering heartbeat, shakiness, skin rashes, being easily excitable, confusion, sexual problems, increased appetite, weight gain, enlargements of the breasts or discharge from the nipples.

Important: If you experience the following symptoms contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Fever (high temperature), loss of consciousness, stiffness of the muscles, paleness of the skin, a fast heartbeat, incontinence (passing water without control from the patient)or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).

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

How to store Imipramine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 13/05/2003