imipramine
n a drug administered by mouth or injection to treat depression (see ANTIDEPRESSANT ). Its effects may be slow to develop; common side-effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, sweating, and rapid heartbeat.
Imipramine tablets and capsules are used to treat depression. Imipramine tablets are also used to prevent bedwetting in children. Imipramine is in a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants. It treats depression by increasing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain that are needed to maintain mental balance. There is not enough information to explain how imipramine prevents bedwetting.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking imipramine affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
It is not known whether imipramine can make it harder for a person to become pregnant. If you have questions or concerns about fertility while taking this medication, it is best to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Does taking imipramine increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many reasons, and studies have not specifically looked at whether imipramine increases that chance. Depression itself might increase the chance of miscarriage, which makes it difficult to separate the effects of the medication from the underlying condition. Any concerns should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Does taking imipramine increase the risk of birth defects?
About 3 out of 100 babies are born with a birth defect in any pregnancy. Studies suggest that use of imipramine in pregnancy is not expected to increase the chance of birth defects. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh the benefits of treatment against any potential risks in your specific situation.
Can taking imipramine during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
Older studies of tricyclic antidepressants, including imipramine, suggested a possible link with preterm delivery and low birth weight, but newer studies have not reported these findings. Because untreated depression itself has also been linked with pregnancy complications, it is difficult to know whether the medication, the underlying condition, or other factors are involved. Additionally, use of imipramine late in pregnancy can sometimes cause temporary "withdrawal" symptoms in newborns, such as jitteriness, fussiness, or feeding and breathing difficulties, which usually resolve within a week or two. These issues are best discussed with your healthcare provider.
Can taking imipramine during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
It is not known whether imipramine can increase the chance of behavior or learning issues. The available data notes that small studies including a total of 32 preschool-aged children exposed to imipramine in pregnancy found no effect on IQ, language development, or mood. Longer-term data are limited, so any concerns are best discussed with your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking imipramine?
Studies suggest that imipramine passes into breast milk in small amounts, and side effects have not been reported in nursing infants. While follow-up information is limited, no negative effects on infant growth and development have been reported. Your healthcare provider can help address your individual breastfeeding questions.
Source: National Library of Medicine
imipramine