Medications and Drugs
Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: desipramine
BRAND NAME: Norpramin
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Desipramine is an oral antidepressant, a member of
the tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) family which also includes amitriptyline
(Elavil, Endep), and imipramine (Tofranil). Depression
is an all-pervasive sense of sadness and gloom. It is believed that in some
patients with depression, abnormal levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals that
nerves use to communicate with each other) may be the cause of their depression.
Desipramine elevates mood by raising the level of neurotransmitters in nerves of
the brain. Desipramine also is responsible for the antidepressant effects of
imipramine because imipramine is converted by the body to desipramine. The FDA
approved desipramine in 1964.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, and 150 mg.
STORAGE: Desipramine should be stored at room temperature, below 86 F (30 C),
in a tight, light resistant container.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Desipramine is used to elevate the mood of patients with
depression. Non-FDA approved (off-label) uses include anxiety,
attention-deficit
hyperactivity disorder, bulimia nervosa,
cataplexy syndrome,
chronic itching,
depression caused by traumatic brain injury, neuropathic pain (due to injury of
nerves), and panic disorder. Desipramine also has sedative properties although
less than most other TCAs. Therefore, it is useful in depressed patients with
insomnia, restlessness, and nervousness.
DOSING: The usual adult dose is 100-200 mg daily. The maximum dose is 300 mg
daily.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Desipramine interacts with other medications and drugs
that slow the brain's function, such as alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines,
for example, lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Valium), temazepam (Restoril),
oxazepam (Serax), clonazepam (Klonopin) as well as zolpidem (Ambien) and
narcotics. Reserpine has a stimulatory effect on patients taking TCAs.
Desipramine and other TCAs should not be used with monoamine oxidase
inhibiting drugs, for example, isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil),
tranylcypromine (Parnate), and procarbazine (Matulane) since high fever,
convulsions and even death can occur when these drugs are used together.
Cimetidine (Tagamet) can increase desipramine blood levels, possibly causing
side effects. Other drugs which share this effect include propafenone (Rythmol),
flecainide (Tonocard), quinidine (Quinidex, Quinaglute), and fluoxetine
(Prozac).
TCAs may inhibit the antihypertensive effect of clonidine (Catapres).
Therefore, combining TCAs with clonidine may lead to dangerous elevations in
blood pressure.
PREGNANCY: There are no adequate studies in
pregnant women.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if desipramine is secreted in
breast milk.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Anxiety - Read about anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder, GAD) causes, physical symptoms and signs, medications and treatment. Learn about symptoms (worry, fear) and other types of anxiety disorders.
- amitriptyline. Elavil, Endep - Learn about amitriptyline ((Elavil, Endep) an antidepressant drug used to treat depression. Drug interactions and side effects are also included in the information.
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