Norpramin (Oral)
Generic name:desipramine (oral route) [ des-IP-ra-meen ]
Drug class:Tricyclic antidepressants
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 29, 2022.
Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies with major depressive disorder and other psychiatric disorders. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared with placebo in adults beyond age 24, and there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared with placebo in adults aged 65 or older. Risk in children, adolescents, and young adults must be balanced with the clinical need. Monitor patients closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. Desipramine hydrochloride is not approved for use in pediatric patients .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Norpramin
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet
Therapeutic Class: Antidepressant
Pharmacologic Class: Antidepressant, Tricyclic
Uses for Norpramin
Desipramine is used to treat depression. It works by increasing the activity of a chemical called norepinephrine in the brain. This medicine is a tricyclic antidepressant.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using Norpramin
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of desipramine in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of desipramine in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have confusion, falling episodes, and age-related kidney problems, which may require an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving desipramine.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially im..
