Desipramine
Pronounced
"des-IP-ra-meen"
Uses
This medication is used to treat depression. Desipramine belongs to a class of drugs known as tricyclic antidepressants. It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain.
This drug is not recommended for use in children younger than 18 years due to risk of serious side effects.
Warning
Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. It is very important to talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication (especially for people younger than 25), even if treatment is not for a mental/mood condition.
Tell the doctor right away if you notice worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed.
Other Uses
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may also be used for panic disorder or nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia).
How to Use This Medication
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking desipramine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 3 times daily. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may start you at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. This medication may make you sleepy or wakeful. Depending on how this medication affects you, your doctor may direct you to take the entire dose once daily either in the morning or at bedtime.
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Do not take more or less medication or take it more often than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster and your risk of side effects will increase. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.
Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
This medication does not work right away. It may take 2 to 3 weeks before you experience the full benefits when this medication is used for depression.
Inform your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
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