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Chemical Name: IMIPRAMINE (im-IP-ra-meen)
This medicine is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat depression. It may
also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
WARNING: ANTIDEPRESSANT MEDICINES MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND
BEHAVIORS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS, AND POSSIBLY ADULTS, WHO HAVE SEVERE
DEPRESSION OR CERTAIN OTHER MENTAL OR MOOD DISORDERS. Children, adolescents, and
adults who take this medicine should be monitored daily for any worsening of
their condition, thoughts of hurting themselves, or any other sudden or unusual
changes in mood or behavior, especially during the first few months after
starting this medicine and after any change in the dose of this medicine. If any
of these serious side effects occur, contact the doctor immediately. Some
medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR
DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you
are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking astemizole,
cisapride, dofetilide, terfenadine, or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).
ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking
carbamazepine, cimetidine, dicumarol, clonidine, fluoxetine, fluconazole,
fluvoxamine, guanadrel, guanethidine, guanfacine, a macrolide antibiotic,
mibefradil, paroxetine, sertraline, terbinafine, tramadol, a sympathomimetic, or
a phenothiazine. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including any
mental or mood disorders (such as bipolar disorder), allergies, pregnancy, or
breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of
glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye, enlarged prostate, problems urinating
(urinary retention), or heart conditions. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR
CONDITION may be needed if you have a history of seizures or porphyria. Contact
your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this
medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. STORE
THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. CONTINUE TO TAKE
THIS MEDICINE even if you feel better. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE
OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your
next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do
not take 2 doses at once. If you take 1 dose daily at bedtime, do not take
missed dose the next morning.
AFTER YOU START USING THIS MEDICINE, several weeks may pass before you feel the
full benefit. DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without checking with your
doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this
medicine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR CONDITION is recommended at the start of
treatment with this medicine and whenever a change to your dose is made. If you
experience anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability,
hostility, impulsive feelings, severe restlessness, or worsening of depression
contact your doctor as soon as possible. These may be signs that your condition
is worsening or that your treatment with this medicine should be evaluated. If
you are a parent or caregiver of a patient that is taking this medicine, it is
important for you to watch for these symptoms daily. Contact the doctor
immediately if any of these symptoms occur. Contact your doctor for more
information. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE,
OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. DO NOT
DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you
know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other
medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other
potentially dangerous tasks. LIMIT YOUR ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION while you are taking
this medicine. This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other
depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are
depressants. ALCOHOL, HOT WEATHER, EXERCISE, AND FEVER can increase dizziness.
To prevent dizziness or fainting, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the
morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness or weakness. THIS
MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun,
sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a
sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period.
DO NOT BECOME OVERHEATED in hot weather or during exercise or other activities
since heatstroke may occur. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either
prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION
IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY since they may be more
sensitive to the effects of this medicine. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS
MEDICINE IN CHILDREN OR ADOLESCENT PATIENTS because they may be more sensitive
to the effects of the medicine. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE
HARM to the human fetus. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your
doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS
MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this
medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include dry mouth,
drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness, diarrhea, excess sweating,
heartburn, unpleasant taste, weight gain, or an increased appetite especially
for sweets. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK
WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience constipation; blurred
vision or other vision changes; eye pain; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat;
hair loss; shakiness; fainting; twitching of the face or tongue; mood swings;
loss of balance; uncontrolled movements of arms and legs or stiffness;
difficulty speaking and swallowing; unusual bleeding or bruising; sore throat or
fever; skin rash and itching; swelling of hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or
tongue; irritability; ringing in the ears; seizures; yellowing of the skin or
eyes; hallucinations; or chest pain. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you
experience severe nervousness or anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty
sleeping, feelings of irritability or hostility, impulsive behavior or other
unusual changes in behavior, severe restlessness, worsening feelings of
depression, thoughts of hurting yourself, or any other mental or mood changes.
AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical
attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching,
swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects
not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from
doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines
interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include flushing, fast or irregular
heartbeat, dry mouth, drowsiness, confusion, agitation, enlarged pupils,
seizures, and loss of consciousness.
If your symptoms do not improve after taking this medicine for 4 weeks, inform
your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not
prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS
MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED
PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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