Prescription Required
Description
Norpramin is an oral pill made up of a tricyclic antidepressant drug called desipramine. We carry the generic alternative of this medication in 25mg, 50mg, and 75mg!
Norpramin is used to treat symptoms of depression. Depression is a serious mood disorder that affects a person’s everyday life by causing constant feelings of hopeless and sadness. This condition is much more than just feeling down, it has the power to worsen certain medical conditions such as arthritis, asthma, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and more. Depression also has the power to affect both the emotional and physical state of health. Depression can cause fatigue, decreased or increased pain tolerance, muscle aches or headaches, while also affecting mood, behavior, sexual interest, cognitive abilities, and sleep patterns. Depression can be considered fatal at times if not treated due to thoughts of suicide (which is linked to depression) which can lead to the actual act of suicide (self-inflicted death).
Norpramin (desipramine) is effective in treating this mood disorder because it is able to balance and restore the chemical imbalances in the brain that are thought to cause depression.
Directions
Your doctor will tell you before prescribing you Norpramin (desipramine) exactly how to take this medication. Follow his or her directions, they can usually be found on the prescription label if you forget.
Norpramin is most commonly taken 1 – 3 times daily with or without food, as directed by your doctor. Swallow with a full glass of water.
Use Norpramin often to get the most benefit out of it; do not stop taking this medication without consulting you doctor first; you could risk having withdrawal symptoms.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Cautions
Do not use Norpramin (desipramine)
Norpramin should not be used by anyone who has ever had an allergic reaction to desipramine.
Those who have recently had a heart attack are not approved to use Norpramin.
A dangerous drug interaction could occur if you take Norpramin within 14 days of using an MAO inhibitor. Do not use Norpramin if you have used a MAO such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, or others in the past 14 days.
This drug can harm a nursing infant if used by a breast feeding mother. Do not use this medication if you are breast feeding an infant.
Do not use Norpramin if you are under the age of 18 years old.
Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required
To determine if Norpramin is right for you, tell your doctor if you have bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, a history of mental illness or psychosis, liver disease, heart disease, a family history of sudden death related to a heart rhythm disorder, a history of heart attack, stroke, or seizures, a thyroid disorder, diabetes, glaucoma, or problems with urination.
Risks
The risk of suicidal thoughts is increased in younger patients when taking an antidepressant for the first time. Caregivers of adolescents should carefully monitor any changes in mood or symptoms.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant; it is not known if this medication will harm an unborn baby.
An overdose on this medication can be fatal.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Norpramin (desipramine) may include:
tingly feeling, weakness, lack of coordination; confusion, sleep problems (insomnia); dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea; vision changes, ringing in your ears; breast swelling (in men or women); or decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.
The above side effects should not alarm you.
Serious side effects of Norpramin (desipramine) may include:
blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, seeing halos around lights; new or worsening chest pain, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest; sudden numbness or weakness, problems with vision, speech, or balance; fever, sore throat; easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum); hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior; painful or difficult urination; upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
seizure (convulsions)
If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.
Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…
severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.
FAQs
What should I avoid while using this medication?
Avoid tanning beds or exposure to direct sunlight. This drug may make you more sensitive to radiation. If you are in the sun, ensure you are wearing sun protective clothing, hats, and sunscreen.
Can I drink alcohol while using this medication?
No. Alcohol should not be consumed while using Norpramin. Drinking alcohol can cause dangerous side effects or even death when mixed with Norpramin.
What is the average dose for an adult with depression?
The average dose for an adult with depression would be 100mg – 200mg per day. Do not exceed more than 300mg per day. Dosages should start off on a lower initial dose and gradually be increased over time.
How long will it take before I notice signs of improvement?
It may take up to 4 weeks for your symptoms to improve. If you don’t notice improvement after 5 weeks of starting treatment, contact your doctor.
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