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Norpramin (desipramine HCl)

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data

Overview

Desipramine is a dibenzazepine-derivative tricyclic antidepressant.

USES: This medication is used to treat depression. Desipramine belongs to a class of drugs known as tricyclic antidepressants. It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain.

This drug is not recommended for use in children younger than 18 years due to risk of serious side effects.

Generic name: desipramine HCl
Pronunciation: (des-IP-ra-meen)

Reference product & biosimilars

No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.

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Indications

The following indications are listed for Norpramin:

  • Depression

Also known as: Depressed Mood, Depressive Disorder, Depressive Reaction, Depressive Syndrome, Mental Depression.

Dosing

There is a wide range of dosage requirements, and dosage of desipramine hydrochloride must be carefully individualized. Initial dosages in adults should be low and generally range from 75-150 mg daily, depending on the severity of the condition being treated. Dosage may be gradually adjusted to the level that produces maximal therapeutic effect with minimal toxicity. In seriously ill patients, desipramine dosage may be gradually increased to 300 mg daily if necessary. Desipramine hydrochloride dosages exceeding 300 mg daily are not recommended. Hospitalized patients under close supervision may generally be given higher doses than outpatients. Geriatric and adolescent patients should usually be given lower than average doses. Manufacturers state that therapy should be initiated with 25-50 mg daily in these patients and that dosages greater than 100 mg daily are usually not necessary. In geriatric and adolescent patients who are seriously ill, desipramine dosage may be further increased to 150 mg daily if necessary. Desipramine hydrochloride dosages exceeding 150 mg daily are not recommended in these age groups. Maximum antidepressant effects may not occur for 2 or more weeks after therapy is begun.

After symptoms are controlled, dosage should be gradually reduced to the lowest level that will maintain relief of symptoms. To avoid the possibility of precipitating withdrawal symptoms, desipramine should not be terminated abruptly in patients who have received high dosages for prolonged periods.

Patients should be monitored for possible worsening of depression, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior, especially at the beginning of therapy or during periods of dosage adjustment. (See Cautions: Precautions and Contraindications, in the Tricyclic Antidepressants General Statement 28:16.04.28.)

Drug interactions

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Contraindications

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Adverse reactions

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Precautions

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ICD codes

No ICD codes are available for this drug.

Formulary status

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data