Indications
Depression: For the relief of symptoms of depression. Endogenous depression is more likely to be alleviated than other depressive states. One to three weeks of treatment may be needed before optimal therapeutic effects are evident.Childhood Enuresis: May be useful as temporary adjunctive therapy in reducing enuresis in children aged 6 years and older, after possible organic causes have been excluded by appropriate tests. In patients having daytime symptoms of frequency and urgency, examination should include voiding cystourethrography and cystoscopy, as necessary. The effectiveness of treatment may decrease with continued drug administration.
Therapeutic Class
Tricyclic & related anti-depressant drugs, Tricyclic Anti-depressant
Pharmacology
Imipramine works by inhibiting the neuronal reuptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin. It binds the sodium-dependent serotonin transporter and sodium-dependent norepinephrine transporter preventing or reducing the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin by nerve cells. Depression has been linked to a lack of stimulation of the post-synaptic neuron by norepinephrine and serotonin. Slowing the reuptake of these neurotransmitters increases their concentration in the synaptic cleft, which is thought to contribute to relieving symptoms of depression. In addition to acutely inhibiting neurotransmitter re-uptake, imipramine causes down-regulation of cerebral cortical beta-adrenergic receptors and sensitization of post-synaptic serotonergic receptors with chronic use. This leads to enhanced serotonergic transmission.
Dosage & Administration
Depression:Â Initially up to 75 mg daily in divided doses increased gradually to 150-200 mg (up to 300 mg in hospital); up to 150 mg may be given as a single dose at bed time; elderly, initially 10 mg daily, increased gradually to 30-50 mg daily; child not recommended for depression.
Panic attack: Initially 10-25 mg/day, depending on how the medication is tolerated, raise the dose until the desired response is obtained. The daily doses required vary greatly from patient to patient, between 75-150 mg, if necessary it can be increased to 200 mg.Nocturnal enuresis (Child):
Panic attack: Initially 10-25 mg/day, depending on how the medication is tolerated, raise the dose until the desired response is obtained. The daily doses required vary greatly from patient to patient, between 75-150 mg, if necessary it can be increased to 200 mg.Nocturnal enuresis (Child):
- 7 years: 25 mg
- 8 to 11 years: 20-50 mg
- Over 11 years: 50-75 mg at bedtime; max. period of treatment (Including gradual withdrawal) is 3 months; full physical examination is required before further course.
Interaction
Imipramine should not be used in combination with Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO), anticholinergic agents, antihypertensive agents, methylphenidate, levodopa, antipsychotic drug, cimetidine, barbiturates, and oral contraceptives.
Contraindications
Recent myocardial infarction, arrhythmias (particularly heart block), not indicated in manic phase, severe liver disease.
Side Effects
Dry mouth, less sedation, blurred vision (disturbances of accommodation, increased intraocular pressure), constipation, nausea, difficulty with micturation; cardiovascular side-effects, sweating, tremors, rashes and hypersensitivity reaction (including urticaria & photosensitivity), behavioral disturbances (particularly in children) hypomania or mania (particularly in elderly), interference with sexual function; blood sugar changes, increased appetite, weight gain (occasionally weight loss).
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