Depsol (Imipramine Hydrochloride) - 25mg (10 Tablets)

Depsol (Imipramine) is a tricyclic antidepressant that is used to treat depression in adults and in adolescents under medical supervision. It is also an FDA-approved treatment for bed-wetting in children.

Depsol (Imipramine) Dosage and Administration

Depsol is supplied as a blister strip of 10 x Imipramine 25mg tablets.

When treating depression a low dose (up to 75mg per day) is usually prescribed and this can be gradually increased on the advise of your medical specialist up to 150mg per day or a maximum dosage of 300mg per day.

Antidpressants can take up to six weeks to show any noticable effects. Only increase the dosage if advised by your doctor, and do not stop taking this medicine just because you are feeling better.

As symptoms of depression subside, the dosage can be gradually reduced.

Imipramine is often taken in two or three divided dosages throughout the day. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. They can be taken with or without food, but taking with food can reduce stomach upsets.

Depsol (Imipramine) Side Effects

Imipramine can cause some unwanted side effects. Some are minor and can be expected, while others are more serious and will require immediate medical attention.

The following side effects should be mild and transient. Tell your doctor if they become a worry to you.

• drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision or difficulty focussing your eyes, especially when treatment is started or the dose is increased.
• lightheadedness, especially when you get up too quickly from a sitting or lying position.
• dry mouth
• difficulty urinating (passing water)
• dry or sticky eyes if you wear contact lenses
• constipation
• sweating or hot flushes
• increased appetite and weight gain
• tired feeling and mental dullness
• feeling of unrest or anxiety
• disturbed sleep or nightmares
• shakiness or trembling
• nausea (feeling sick), vomiting, loss of appetite or weight loss
• sores in the mouth or on the tongue
• headache
• reduced sexual desire or difficulty in reaching orgasm
• swelling of the breasts or discharge of milk
• increased sensitivity to the sun
• ringing in the ears
• hair loss

The following side effects should be considered serious. Contact your doctor or seek medical assistance immediately if you notice any of these.

• signs of allergy such as rash, itching or hives on the skin; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other part of the body; shortness of breath, wheezing or troubled breathing
• constant "flu-like" symptoms (chills, fever, sore throat, aching joints, swollen glands, tiredness or lack of energy)
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• pain in the stomach or abdomen that is severe or doesn't go away
• fast or irregular heart beat (pounding, racing, skipping beats)
• muscle numbness, tingling or spasms
• weakness or loss of balance
• severe dizziness or drowsiness
• fainting spells or seizures (fits)
• difficulty in speaking or slurred speech
• unusually high energy, irritability or outbursts of anger
• confusion or hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not there)
• frequent passing of large amounts of urine
• yellow colour to the skin or eyes
• eye pain

Depsol (Imipramine) Warnings and Precautions

Before beginning treatment with Depsol, make sure your doctor is aware if you suffer from any of the following:

• heart problems, especially an irregular heart beat
• increased intraocular pressure (eg glaucoma)
• difficulty urinating, due to prostate trouble or any other cause
• seizures or fits
• severe liver or kidney disease (renal of hepatic disease)
• mental disorders other than depression
• high blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension)
• blood disorders
• thyroid problems
• chronic constipation
• Parkinson's disease
• adrenal gland tumours

Tell your doctor if you a pregnant, trying to become pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to breast-feed. Imipramine can cause problems to the baby if taken when pregnant, especially during the last 7 weeks of pregnancy and for one month after the birth. Imipramine is also passed through the breast-milk.

If you are a smoker, nicotine can change the effectiveness of Imipramine.

Tell your doctor any medicines you are taking epecially any other anti-depressants, heart medicinces, blood pressure medicines, sleeping aids, medicines to prevent blood clotting, anti-seizure medicine, thyroid medicines, Parkinson's disease treatments, anticholinergic medicines, disulfiram, cimetidine, nicotine patches or gum, cold and flu medicines or oestrogens.

If you experience any suicidal thoughts while taking Depsol, contact a doctor or emergency centre immediately.

It is not recommended to drive a car, operate machinery or drink alcohol until you are aware how Imipramine affects you.

Only change your dosage if your doctor has advised you to take more or less Depsol (Imipramine).