Compare amoxapine vs. desipramine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Asendin (amoxapine)

Prescription only

Norpramin (desipramine)

Prescription only
Stabilizes your mood.

While Asendin (amoxapine) can treat depression, you have to take it several times a day and it can make you feel sleepy.

Stabilizes your mood.

Norpramin (desipramine) is not a first choice for treating depression because of its effects on the heart, but it can be good if other medicines haven't worked.

Upsides
  • Asendin (amoxapine) can be used to treat more severe forms of depression.
  • Compared to similar medicines, Asendin (amoxapine) improves the mood in depression more quickly.
  • Asendin (amoxapine) is available as generic.
  • Norpramin (desipramine) is available in generic and in many different strengths, so the dose can be more customized.
  • Norpramin (desipramine) has fewer side effects than similar tricyclic antidepressants.
Downsides
  • Asendin (amoxapine) is not a first choice medicine for depression because of side effects.
  • In some people, Asendin (amoxapine) can stop working as early as 2-3 months after you start taking it.
  • Not recommended in older people, children under 16, or people who've had a history of seizures.
  • Norpramin (desipramine) isn't recommended if you or your family has heart disease, seizures, or glaucoma.
  • Norpramin (desipramine) isn't a first choice for depression because it has more side effects than other antidepressants.
  • In some people, Norpramin (desipramine) can make you sleepy. In other people, Norpramin (desipramine) can keep you awake.
  • If you have diabetes, Norpramin (desipramine) can make your blood sugar go up.
  • Not recommended in children under 12 years of age.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$32.37
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Lowest price
$54.34
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Reviews
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Side effects
4possible side effects
  • Drowsiness or fatigue
    14%
  • Dry mouth
    14%
  • Constipation
    12%
  • Vision changes
    7%
See more detailed side effects
The Norpramin (desipramine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Increased risk of suicide
    • People under age 24
  • Vision changes
    • Glaucoma
  • Difficulty controlling movements
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    • Taking antidepressants
  • Slowed breathing
    • Taking opioids for pain relief or medicines for anxiety
  • Anticholinergic effects/Dehydration
    • Over age 65
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Higher risk of suicide
    • People under age 24
  • Possible bipolar disorder
  • Serotonin syndrome
    • Tricyclic antidepressants
    • Fentanyl
    • Tramadol
    • Buspirone
    • ADHD medicines
    • Triptans
  • Changes to the heartbeat
    • History of heart disease
  • Higher risk for seizures
    • History of seizures
    • History of brain damage or alcohol withdrawal
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Asendin (amoxapine)
Learn more about Norpramin (desipramine)