Imipramine (for nocturnal enuresis)

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
Tricyclic Antidepressants

Imipramine (for nocturnal enuresis) - What is it for

Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat a condition called nocturnal enuresis (bed-wetting at night). It helps the bladder muscle to relax, while causing the smooth muscles at the bladder neck to contract, therefore increasing the ability to hold urine in the bladder.

It can also be used to treat symptoms of depression (low mood).

This medication may also be used for other conditions. Check with your healthcare professional if you are unsure why you are given this medication.

Imipramine (for nocturnal enuresis) - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Imipramine (for nocturnal enuresis) cause?

Common side effects include:

Nausea

Take the medication after food, eat small but frequent meals. Avoid fatty or spicy food.

Drowsiness

Avoid driving or taking part in activities requiring you to focus.

Dizziness

Get up slowly from a sitting or lying position.

Dry mouth

Suck ice chips or sugar free candy or drink frequent sips of water

Constipation
- Drink more water, eat more high-fibre food
Dry eyes

Apply lubricant eye drops if necessary

Skin sensitive to sunlight

Wear long-sleeved clothing and apply sunblock to protect yourself from the sun

Very rarely (affect less than 1% of patients), this medication may cause:

Fast or irregular heartbeat
Confusion
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
Stiffness of arms or legs
Problems in urinating
Blurred vision
Seizures (fits)
Yellow skin or eyes, pain in your upper stomach or dark-coloured urine

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
Difficulty in breathing
Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Imipramine (for nocturnal enuresis) , what precautions must I follow?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies
You have heart, liver or kidney problems
You have diabetes as it may affect blood glucose control
You have a history of seizures (fits) as part of your medical condition
You have glaucoma
You are taking other mood medications
You have sudden changes in mood
You have new or increasing thoughts of harming yourself

IMPORTANT:

In some cases, particularly in young people below the age of 25 years, this medication may cause the following changes to a person's mental condition, especially in the first few weeks of treatment or during dose changes:

New or worsening thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life
Worsening agitation, restlessness, violent behaviour, or
Other changes in mood or behaviour

Please inform your doctor as soon as possible, or for your family or caregiver to inform your doctor if you are unable to seek treatment on your own.

Do not stop taking this medication on your own without discussing with your doctor.

It is important to note that your doctor has prescribed this medication as he/she feels you will benefit more from taking this medication over the possible risks that it may cause, which have a low chance of occurring, and most people take this medication without any of such problems.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Imipramine (for nocturnal enuresis) ?

Avoid drinking alcohol as it may increase drowsiness.

Imipramine (for nocturnal enuresis) - Dosage and How to Use

How should Imipramine (for nocturnal enuresis) be used?

Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
You may take this medication with or without food.
It is taken once daily, preferably one hour before bedtime.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.