If you’ve heard the name imipramine, you’re probably dealing with depression, anxiety, or a doctor’s prescription. Imipramine belongs to the tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) family, meaning it affects brain chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine to lift mood. Unlike newer SSRIs, it can feel stronger and has a different side‑effect profile, so knowing the basics helps you stay safe.
Doctors mainly prescribe imipramine for major depressive disorder and certain anxiety conditions. Some specialists also use it for chronic pain or bed‑wetting in children, but those are off‑label uses.
Starting doses are usually low – 25 mg taken at bedtime is common. Your doctor may increase the dose by 25 mg every few days until you reach an effective level, often between 100 mg and 200 mg daily. Split dosing (morning and night) can reduce nighttime drowsiness. Always follow the exact schedule your prescriber gives you; skipping or doubling pills can cause withdrawal or toxicity.
Imipramine can make you feel sleepy, especially early in treatment. Dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and weight gain show up fairly often. A less pleasant side effect is sweating or a racing heart; if these get intense, call your doctor.
Serious but rare reactions include fast heart rhythm (arrhythmia), low blood pressure when standing, or severe mood changes like increased suicidal thoughts, particularly in younger adults. If you notice any sudden confusion, fainting, or chest pain, seek medical help immediately.
Because imipramine can interact with many other drugs, always tell your pharmacist about over‑the‑counter meds, herbal supplements, and alcohol. Combining it with other serotonergic agents (like SSRIs or certain pain relievers) raises the risk of serotonin syndrome – a potentially life‑threatening condition marked by agitation, tremor, and high fever.
Pregnant or nursing women should discuss risks with their doctor. Imipramine passes into breast milk and may affect the baby’s heart rhythm.
When you stop taking imipramine, don’t quit cold turkey. A gradual taper over a few weeks reduces withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or “brain zaps.” Your doctor will give a taper schedule tailored to your dosage.
Keeping a symptom diary can help you and your doctor spot patterns. Note mood changes, sleep quality, any new physical symptoms, and when you take the medication. This info speeds up dose adjustments and keeps side effects in check.
Imipramine isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all solution, but many people find it effective when other antidepressants fail. If you’re starting it, give your body a few weeks to settle before judging its full impact. Patience, open communication with your healthcare team, and a solid safety plan make the difference between a shaky start and lasting relief.
