NZ Formulary

Imipramine

im-ip-ra-meen

What does it do?

Imipramine is used to treat depression, and sometimes other conditions.

Before you start

  • Tell your doctor if you have heart, bladder, prostate or bowel problems.
  • Tell your doctor if you have angle-closure glaucoma, bipolar disorder or if you have ever had a seizure.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
  • Your doctor may do a heart test (ECG) before you start and while you are taking imipramine.

How should you take it?

Take imipramine regularly as directed with a glass of water, usually at night time. You can take it with or without food.

What if you forget a dose?

If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with imipramine including:

  • some antihistamines or anti-nausea medicines such as promethazine (e.g. Phenergan®), hyoscine (e.g. Scopoderm®), meclozine (e.g. Sea-legs®)
  • some migraine medicines, such as sumatriptan (e.g. Sumagran Active®)

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products (e.g. St John's wort) or recreational drugs (e.g. ecstasy).

Important information continues on next page.

What side effects might you notice?

Side EffectsRecommended action

Suicidal thoughts

Symptoms of a fast or irregular heartbeat including: fluttering, pounding or pain in your chest, dizziness or fainting

Muscle twitching or shaking you can’t control, confusion, heavy sweating, fever

Seizures

Tell your doctor immediately

Anxiety, restlessness

Tell your doctor

Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation or trouble peeing (anticholinergic effects)

Drowsiness, dizziness

Weight gain

More sensitive to sunlight (sunburn or rash)

Less interest in, or trouble having sex

Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

  • Imipramine can impair your ability to do tasks such as driving or using machines. Alcohol makes this worse. Discuss your risk with your health professional. (search NZTA - Are you safe to drive?)
  • Protect yourself from too much sunlight while being treated with imipramine. Always cover up and apply a thick layer of broad spectrum sunscreen (at least SPF 30) when outside. Do not use sunbeds.
  • It may take a few weeks for imipramine to start working.
  • Do not stop taking imipramine without talking to your doctor first.