Norpramin

Norpramin is a drug used for the treatment of depression. This drug is available as a film-coated tablet containing 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, or 150 mg of desipramine hydrochloride.

Instructions:

You should read the product information leaflet before using this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication should be taken by mouth as instructed by your doctor. Do not crush or chew the drug because it may diminish its effects. This medication should be taken with a full glass of water unless your doctor tells you otherwise. You should swallow the drug whole.

Your dosage is based on your medical condition and the way you will respond to treatment. Take this drug regularly to experience the most benefits. You should also take this drug at the same time each day.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Continue to use it as prescribed by your doctor or as stated on the package label.

Interactions:

Norpramin may interact with medications such as:

• Arbutamine
• Disopyramide
• Sibutramine
• MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine)
• Anticholinergics such as atropine, belladonna alkaloids, scopolamine, and drugs for Parkinson's disease such as benztropine
• Inhaled bronchodilators such as albuterol or salmeterol
• Certain drugs for high blood pressure such as clonidine, guanadrel, guanethidine, or reserpine
• Digoxin
• Nasal decongestants such as epinephrine and phenylephrine
• Levodopa
• Lithium
• Stimulants such as amphetamine, epinephrine, and methylphenidate
• Thyroid supplements
• Valproic acid
• Drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove desipramine from your body such as alcohol, barbiturates (phenobarbital)
• Cimetidine
• Cisapride
• Haloperidol
• Certain drugs for heart rhythms such as flecainide or propafenone
• Halofantrine
• HIV protease inhibitors such as amprenavir or fosprenavir
• Phenothiazines such as thioridazine
• Pimozide
• Certain anti-seizure drugs such as carbamazepine or phenytoin
• Antidepressants such as duloxetine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine or trazodone
• St. John's wort
• Terbinafine
• Amiodarone
• Dofetilide
• Pimozide
• Procainamide
• Quinidine
• Sotalol
• Sparfloxacin
• Macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin
• Bupropion
• Isoniazid (INH)
• Theophylline
• Tramadol
• Certain antihistamines (diphenhydramine)
• Anti-anxiety drugs (diazepam)
• Anti-seizure drugs (levetiracetam)
• Drugs for motion sickness (meclizine)

Side Effects:

There are no side effects known aside from a possible allergic reaction in people who have previous or unknown hypersensitivity to the drug.

Watch out for signs of allergic reactions such as:

• Rash
• Itching
• Swelling

Warnings:

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have the following:

• Allergy to desipramine or to other tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline
• A recent heart attack
• Breathing problems such as asthma or chronic bronchitis
• Certain eye problems such as glaucoma or increased intraocular pressure
• Diabetes
• Eating disorders such as bulimia
• Heart problems such as arrhythmias and coronary artery disease
• Liver problems
• Kidney problems
• Personal or family history of other mental or mood conditions such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
• Seizures
• Overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism
• Trouble urinating such as due to enlarged prostate
• Any condition that may increase your risk of seizures such as alcohol or sedative dependency
• Use of electroconvulsive therapy
• Brain injury or disease such as stroke
• Certain types of tumors such as pheochromocytoma or neuroblastoma
• Certain heart problems such as heart failure, slow heartbeat or QT prolongation in the EKG
• Family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death)
• Pregnancy or lactation