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Imipramine

Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant. It is used to treat major depressive disorder, and in children it is used for nocturnal enuresis, or bedwetting. It works on the chemical messengers norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain.

Medicine containing Imipramine

Tofranil

Major Depressive Disorder, Nocturnal Enuresis

25 · 50 · 75mg

Tofranil contains imipramine and is a tablet for major depressive disorder and nocturnal enuresis. It comes in several strengths and pack sizes. You see the price per tablet for each option.

FromUS$0.43/ tabletView

Key points

  • Imipramine blocks the neuronal reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin, which raises their availability in the synaptic cleft.
  • The antidepressant effect usually takes 2–4 weeks to appear, and treatment is long-term.
  • It must not be taken after a recent myocardial infarction, alongside MAO inhibitors, or by people with prostatic hypertrophy.

What imipramine is used for

Two conditions are treated with this medicine. In adults it is used for major depressive disorder. In children it is used for nocturnal enuresis, where its anticholinergic effect helps manage bedwetting.

How it works

The medicine blocks the neuronal reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin. This increases the amount of both messengers available in the synaptic cleft, which produces the antidepressant effect. A separate anticholinergic action is what helps with bedwetting in children. Because the mood effect builds slowly, 2–4 weeks may pass before any change is noticed, and treatment continues long-term.

Forms and brands on MayChemist

Imipramine is supplied as tablets. Tofranil tablets are available in 25mg, 50mg and 75mg strengths and contain imipramine. Orders are shipped to Malaysia by pharmacy partners in India in discreet packaging.

Safety and interactions

Imipramine is not suitable for everyone. It should not be used after a recent myocardial infarction, with MAO inhibitors, or where prostatic hypertrophy is present. In pregnancy it is used only if essential, and it is contraindicated during breastfeeding. The medicine may impair driving, and blood pressure needs to be monitored regularly.

Common effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation and dizziness. Tachycardia, urinary retention and confusion are moderate effects to report. Cardiac arrhythmia and seizures are serious and need immediate medical attention.

Alcohol, MAO inhibitors and antihypertensives interact with imipramine, so tell your prescriber about anything else you take.

Further reading

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