imipramine

What is Imipramine (Nocturnal Enuresis) 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.

How should I take or use Imipramine (Nocturnal Enuresis)?

• 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 forget to take or use Imipramine (Nocturnal Enuresis)?

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.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Imipramine (Nocturnal Enuresis)?

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 have heart, liver or kidney problems
• You have diabetes as this medication may affect blood glucose control
• You have a history of seizures(fits)
• You have glaucoma
• You are taking other medications for your mood
• You have sudden changes in mood
• You have new or increasing thoughts of harming yourself
  

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Imipramine (Nocturnal Enuresis)?

Avoid drinking alcohol as it may increase the risk of dizziness, light-headedness or drowsiness.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking or intend to take any other medication, supplements, traditional medications or herbal remedies.

What are some common side effects of Imipramine (Nocturnal Enuresis)?

• Nausea
• Take the medication after food, eat small but frequent meals. Avoid fatty or spicy food.
• Drowsiness
• May affect your ability to drive and use machinery. Make sure your reactions are normal before you drive or do things which require you to be alert.
• Dizziness
• Get up slowly from a sitting or lying position.
• Dry mouth
• Chew sugar-free gum, suck on sugar-free hard candies or ice chips, sip water regularly
• Constipation
• Drink more water (if you do not have any fluid restrictions), eat more high-fibre foods, and exercise regularly
• 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.

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

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)
• Dark urine or light coloured stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellowing of your eyes or skin

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

How should I store Imipramine (Nocturnal Enuresis)?

• Keep away from children
• Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight

How do I throw away Imipramine (Nocturnal Enuresis) safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.