Tricyclic antidepressant drugs areso named because of their chemical structure, which contains a chain of three rings. They treat and control with quality of effectiveness,depression and its symptoms.
Within this pharmaceutical categoryis imipramine, a drug about which we will delve into in the following article talking about its uses, possible side effects and contraindications.
What is imipramine?
Imipramine is a generic drug considereda tricyclic antidepressant. Its active ingredient is imipramine hydrochloride, with animportant inhibitory capacity in the reuptake of monoamines. It has a reduced sedative effect, with possible influences on affective processes.
Its presentation is intablets that vary in concentrations between 10, 25 and 50 mg, with recommended doses of 20 to 30 mg per day in children five to eight years of age, 25-50 mg in children from 9 to 12 years of age and from 25 to 75 mg in over 12 years, according to the adaptation that the doctor indicates as appropriate treatment.
Note: Due to the nature and mechanism of action of this drug, it requires a prescription for its acquisition. Prolonged usecan even cause dependence, so self-medication is not recommended.
What is imipramine for?
Imipramine has awide use in medical treatments, especially for application in thecentral nervous system (CNS). We mention below the main indications of this drug:
1. Depression, anxiety and panic attacks
Depression, anxietyand panic attacks arecharacterized by emotional downturns and imminent and intense fears. They greatly influence the interest and ability to interact, as well as constant concern.
To highlight: Imipramine is indicated insevere and involutive cases, with high doses but with gradual increase. (1)
2. Nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence
Nocturnal enuresis is known as urinary incontinence, which means involuntary urination at ages where it should not occur. It is repetitive and can even present daytime pictures.
You should know: Imipramine is indicated because its effectiveness has been proven , mainly in children and adolescents. (two)
3. Hyperactivity and conduct disorders
Note: Maximum doses of 100 mg daily are indicated, depending on the severity of the disorder, usually in cases where there has been no response to other types of stimulants in our central nervous system (CNS). (3)
Imipramine Side Effects
Side effects are referred to in all medications, as possible symptoms during treatmenttag. We mention those of imipramine below for your knowledge and contemplation:
- Dry mouth, dizziness.
- Constipation, sweating.
- Blurred vision, tremor and tachycardia.
- Changes in normal heart rhythm and weight gain.
- Liver failure and suicidal thoughts.
Important: If there are side effects, it is important to discontinue the use of imipramine and seek medical attention immediately .
Contraindications of imipramine
Contraindications in medications are factors that we must take into accountto avoid adverse effects. We mention those of imipramine below:
- Do not indicate imipramine if the patient has an allergy or hypersensitivity to any of the components.
- Treatment should not extend more than 6 months.
- It is important to monitor for liver failure or kidney failure during treatment.
- Do not indicate if pregnancy is suspected or if you are lactating.
- It should not be indicated in patients with angina pectoris and recovering from myocardial infarction, due to the existing latent risk.
- Do not indicate imipramine in patients with heart failure or angle glaucoma.
- It is not recommended to indicate imipramine if you are taking any type of anticoagulant.
- Do not indicate if the patient has Parkinson’s disease.
To highlight: It is important to take into account the above contraindications and inform your treating physician if you suffer from any of them, in order to take the necessary measures depending on the condition to be treated.
Key Findings
- Imipramine is a medicine oriented according to data and studies, mainly to patients with disorders in the central nervous system.
- Imipramine comes as 10mg, 25mg and 50mg tablets for different treatment levels.
- Treatment with imipramine reduces panic attacks, but its administration must be under professional medical indication.
- It is a medicine also indicated for urinary incontinence.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.