Desipramine

IMPORTANT NOTE | TITLE | HOW TO PRONOUNCE | COMMON BRAND NAMES | USES | OTHER USES | HOW TO TAKE | SIDE EFFECTS | PRECAUTIONS | DRUG INTERACTIONS | OVERDOSE | NOTES | MISSED DOSE | STORAGE

IMPORTANT NOTE
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

TITLE TRICYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANTS - ORAL, INJECTION

USES
This medication is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and bed-wetting in children over 6 years of age (enuresis).

OTHER USES
This medication may also be used to treat nerve pain, sleeping problems (insomnia), and has other uses as determined by your doctor.

HOW TO TAKE
Use this as prescribed. Try to use each dose at the same time(s) each day so you remember to routinely use it. It may take 2 to 3 weeks before the full benefit of this medication becomes apparent. Do not stop using this medication without your doctor's approval. Nausea, headache or fatigue can occur if the drug is suddenly stopped.

SIDE EFFECTS
May cause drowsiness, dizziness, increased sun sensitivity or blurred vision. May initially cause dizziness and lightheadedness when rising too quickly from a sitting or lying position. Other side effects include heartburn, loss of appetite, dry mouth, strange taste in mouth, anxiety, restlessness or sweating. If any side effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Report promptly: chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, difficulty urinating, nightmares, ringing in the ears, excessive drowsiness, uncoordinated movements, fainting. Taking this medication at bedtime may help minimize side effects. Talk to your doctor about this. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS
Before using this drug tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: glaucoma, prostate problems, decreased urine output, thyroid disease, breathing problems, seizure problems, alcohol use, heart disease, mental/emotional problems, liver or kidney disease, any drug allergies. Use caution when engaging in tasks requiring alertness such as driving or operating machinery. Limit alcohol consumption as it may increase the drowsiness and dizziness effects of this drug. Limit exposure to hot weather as it may lead to heat stroke. Though uncommon, depression itself can lead to thoughts or attempts of suicide. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any suicidal thoughts, or other mental/mood changes. Keep all medical appointments so your doctor can monitor your progress closely. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly, because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug (e.g., confusion may occur or worsen). This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug may be excreted into breast milk. The effects on the infant are not known at this time. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Inform your doctor about the medicines you take, especially if you take: clonidine, guanadrel, guanethidine, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), cimetidine, SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline), warfarin, carbamazepine, certain diet pills (e.g., phentermine, fenfluramine), adrenaline-type drugs (e.g., dopamine, ephedrine, epinephrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, isoproterenol- some of which may be found in cough-and-cold or asthma products), narcotic pain medications (e.g., codeine), cisapride, St John's wort, heart rhythm drugs (e.g., quinidine, flecainide, propafenone), phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine), any other prescription or nonprescription drugs you take. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include agitation, confusion, hallucinations, fever, irregular movement of the eyes, seizures, change in amount of urine, dry mouth or nose, constipation, large pupils, drowsiness, slow or shallow breathing, dizziness, unconsciousness, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, or flushing..

NOTES Do not allow anyone else to use this medication.

MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose and are taking more than 1 daily: do not take it if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. If you take it once daily at bedtime, do not take it the following morning. Call your doctor. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE
Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of this medication.