Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant drug. It acts by altering the levels of chemicals in the brain to relieve the symptoms of depression. It is used for the treatment of depression and provides relief of bed-wetting at night in children.

Do not take imipramine if you:

• Are allergic to imipramine or other tricyclic antidepressants
• Suffer from heart disease such as irregular heart beats, or had a heart attack
• Suffer from episodes of increased and exaggerated behaviour
• Have severe liver disease, are not able to urinate, have porphyria
• Suffer from glaucoma
• Are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) or have taken MAOIs within the previous 14 days for depression
• Are under 6 years of age

Things to Tell Your Doctor. If you:

• Have any psychiatric disorder
• Are withdrawing from alcohol or medicines used to treat fits
• Have ever had glaucoma or an enlarged prostate gland
• Have a history of epilepsy or brain damage
• Suffer from low blood pressure, severe kidney disease, thyroid gland disorder
• Suffer from panic attacks, long term constipation
• Wear contact lenses
• Are on electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
• Are due to have any surgery that involves an anaesthetic.

What to do if you missed a dose ?

Do not take a double dose to make up for forgotten doses. If you only remember during the night, or the next day, leave out the missed dose and carry on as usual.

Most common side effects ?

The most common side effects observed with imipramine are reduction in blood cells, disturbances in sexual function, breast swelling in men and women, over-production of breast milk, changes in blood sugar levels, weight gain, feeling sick, loss of appetite, hair loss.