Desipramine belongs to the class of medications known as tricyclic antidepressants. Desipramine helps to elevate mood and eliminate or reduce other symptoms associated with Depression. Tricyclic antidepressants such as desipramine work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin neurotransmitters (chemical substances in the brain) available in certain parts of the brain.

Your doctor may have suggested Desipramine for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of Desipramine may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Desipramine, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Desipramine without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Desipramine to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take Desipramine if their doctor has not prescribed it.

For the treatment of depression in adults, the recommended starting dose of desipramine is 75 mg in divided doses, with or without food. This dose is usually increased gradually until the most effective dose is found. The usual adult dose is 100 mg to 200 mg daily. Doses above 300 mg daily are not recommended. It may take several weeks before the medication has its full effect so you should be patient with the results.

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 to take Desipramine 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 on 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 Desipramine at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Desipramine. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Desipramine with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Desipramine. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

abdominal cramps blurred vision Constipation difficulty urinating dizziness when getting up from a sitting or lying position drowsiness dryness of mouth or eyes excitement headache increased or irregular heart rate

irritability itchy skin muscle twitching nausea rash sexual dysfunction sweating tiredness or weakness trouble sleeping vomiting weight gain

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

anxiety blurred vision breast enlargement (both males and females) confusion or delirium constipation (especially for seniors) difficulty speaking or swallowing eye pain fainting fast or irregular heartbeat (pounding, racing, skipping) hair loss hallucinations inappropriate secretion of milk (females) increased sensitivity to sunlight loss of balance control muscle twitching nervousness or restlessness

numbness or tingling sensation in arms and legs red or brownish spots on skin ringing, buzzing, or other unexplained sounds in the ears seizures shakiness or trembling shuffling walk skin rash and itching slowed movements stiffness of arms and legs sore throat and Fever swelling of face and tongue swelling of testicles trouble with teeth or gums yellow eyes or skin

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• symptoms of a Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) such as swelling of the mouth or throat, chest tightness, or shortness of breath

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Desipramine.

Desipramine is available as 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg tablets.