Desipramine
Generic Name: desipramine
Brand Names:
Desipramine Hydrochloride
DESCRIPTION Desipramine hydrochloride is an antidepressant drug of the tricyclic type, and is chemically: 5 H -Dibenz[ b ƒ]azepine-5-propanamine,10,11-dihydro- N -methyl-, monohydrochloride. Each desipramine hydrochloride tablet, USP contains 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, or 150 mg of desipramine hydrochloride, USP for oral administration.
Overview
DESCRIPTION Desipramine hydrochloride is an antidepressant drug of the tricyclic type, and is chemically: 5 H -Dibenz[ b ƒ]azepine-5-propanamine,10,11-dihydro- N -methyl-, monohydrochloride. Each desipramine hydrochloride tablet, USP contains 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, or 150 mg of desipramine hydrochloride, USP for oral administration.
Uses
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Desipramine hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the treatment of depression.
Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Not recommended for use in children (see WARNINGS ). Lower dosages are recommended for elderly patients and adolescents. Lower dosages are also recommended for outpatients compared to hospitalized patients, who are closely supervised. Dosage should be initiated at a low level and increased according to clinical response and any evidence of intolerance. Following remission, maintenance medication may be required for a period of time and should be at the lowest dose that will maintain remission. Usual Adult Dose The usual adult dose is 100 mg to 200 mg per day. In more severely ill patients, dosage may be further increased gradually to 300 mg/day if necessary. Dosages above 300 mg/day are not recommended.
Side Effects
ADVERSE REACTIONS Included in the following listing are a few adverse reactions that have not been reported with this specific drug. However, the pharmacologic similarities among the tricyclic antidepressant drugs require that each of the reactions be considered when desipramine hydrochloride is given. Cardiovascular: Hypotension, hypertension, palpitations, heart block, myocardial infarction, stroke, arrhythmias, premature ventricular contractions, tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, sudden death. There has been a report of an "acute collapse" and "sudden death" in an 8-year-old (18 kg) male, treated for 2 years for hyperactivity. There have been additional reports of sudden death in children (see PRECAUTIONS - Pediatric Use ).
Warnings
Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of desipramine hydrochloride or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need. WARNINGS Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), both adult and pediatric, may experience worsening of their depression and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior (suicidality) or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking antidepressant medications, and this risk may persist until significant remission occurs. Suicide is a known risk of depression and certain other psychiatric disorders, and these disorders themselves are the strongest predictors of suicide. There has been a long-standing concern, however, that antidepressants may have a role in inducing worsening of depression and the emergence of suicidality in certain patients during the early phases of treatment. CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of MAOIs intended to treat psychiatric disorders with desipramine hydrochloride or within 14 days of stopping treatment with desipramine hydrochloride is contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
Storage
HOW SUPPLIED Desipramine Hydrochloride Tablets USP, 10 mg are supplied as light blue to blue colored, round, biconvex, film-coated tablets, debossed “AA” and “11” on one side and plain on the other side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desipramine used for?▼
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Desipramine hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the treatment of depression.
What are the side effects of Desipramine?▼
ADVERSE REACTIONS Included in the following listing are a few adverse reactions that have not been reported with this specific drug. However, the pharmacologic similarities among the tricyclic antidepressant drugs require that each of the reactions be considered when desipramine hydrochloride is given. Cardiovascular: Hypotension, hypertension, palpitations, heart block, myocardial infarction, stroke, arrhythmias, premature ventricular contractions, tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, sudden death. There has been a report of an "acute collapse" and "sudden death" in an 8-year-old (18 kg) male, treated for 2 years for hyperactivity. There have been additional reports of sudden death in children (see PRECAUTIONS - Pediatric Use ).
What are the important warnings for Desipramine?▼
Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of desipramine hydrochloride or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need. WARNINGS Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), both adult and pediatric, may experience worsening of their depression and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior (suicidality) or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking antidepressant medications, and this risk may persist until significant remission occurs. Suicide is a known risk of depression and certain other psychiatric disorders, and these disorders themselves are the strongest predictors of suicide. There has been a long-standing concern, however, that antidepressants may have a role in inducing worsening of depression and the emergence of suicidality in certain patients during the early phases of treatment. CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of MAOIs intended to treat psychiatric disorders with desipramine hydrochloride or within 14 days of stopping treatment with desipramine hydrochloride is contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
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Medical Disclaimer
This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.