Imipramine ( janimine)

Generic Name: Imipramine Tablets (im-IP-ra-meen)

Brand Name: Tofranil

Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in children, teenagers, and young adults. However, depression and certain other mental problems may also increase the risk of suicide. Talk with the patient's doctor to be sure that the benefits of using Imipramine outweigh the risks.

Family and caregivers must closely watch patients who take Imipramine. It is important to keep in close contact with the patient's doctor. Tell the doctor right away if the patient has symptoms like worsened depression, suicidal thoughts, or changes in behavior. Discuss any questions with the patient's doctor.

It is used in treating depression. It is also used in some children to help reduce bedwetting. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant. It works by increasing the activity of certain chemicals in the brain that help elevate mood.

Use Imipramine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* Imipramine comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Imipramine refilled.

* Take Imipramine by mouth with or without food.

* Taking Imipramine at bedtime may help reduce side effects (eg, daytime drowsiness). Discuss this possibility with your doctor.

* It may take 1 to 3 weeks before you notice the effect of Imipramine. Continue to use Imipramine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

* If you miss a dose of Imipramine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. If you take 1 dose daily at bedtime, do not take the missed dose the next morning.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Imipramine.

* Imipramine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Imipramine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

* Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Imipramine ; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.

* Imipramine may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.

* Do not become overheated in hot weather or while you are being active; heatstroke may occur.

* Children, teenagers, and young adults who take Imipramine may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Watch all patients who take Imipramine closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.

* Imipramine may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Imipramine . Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.

* Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Imipramine before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

* Lab tests, including blood counts, may be performed while you use Imipramine . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

* Use Imipramine with caution in the ELDERLY (especially those with cardiac disease); they may be more sensitive to its effects.

* Imipramine should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 6 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

* PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: It is not known if Imipramine can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Imipramine while you are pregnant. It is not known if Imipramine is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Imipramine .

If you suddenly stop taking Imipramine , you may experience WITHDRAWAL symptoms, including headache, nausea, and tiredness.