Norpramin

(desipramine)

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Stabilizes your mood.

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Our bottom line

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.

Quick facts about desipramine
  • Drug class: Neuro/psych
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (desipramine)

Upsides

  • 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.
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What to expect from desipramine, on one page

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Downsides

  • 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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What to expect from desipramine, on one page

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How it works

Norpramin (desipramine) is a tricyclic antidepressant. It increases the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain, two chemicals that regulate mood.

Quick facts about desipramine
  • Drug class: Neuro/psych
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (desipramine)

Used for

Dosage forms

  • Pill
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Prices and coupons

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What to expect when you take Norpramin (desipramine) for Depression

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  • First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
    Long term
  • Effectiveness
  • Starts to kick in
    Full effects
  • First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
    Long term
  • Possible side effects
  • Changes in sleep
  • Heart damage
  • Changes in weight
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dry mouth
  • Skin rashes
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Side effect rates for Norpramin (desipramine)

Risks and Warnings for Norpramin (desipramine)

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    • Higher risk if:
    • › People under age 24

    Taking Norpramin (desipramine) can make you more likely to harm yourself or commit suicide, especially if you are younger and during the first few weeks of taking it. If you or your child feel like they want to hurt themselves while taking Norpramin (desipramine), call the doctor right away.

    This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.

Means that some groups have a high risk of experiencing this side effect

Common concerns from people taking Norpramin (desipramine)

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Pregnancy

The FDA hasn’t classified this medicine’s effects on unborn babies. Talk with your doctor about this medicine if you’re pregnant or planning on it.

See the FDA package insertSee pregnancy safe medications
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.
FDA pregnancy category for desipramine
NUnknown