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Norpramin

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NORPRAMIN®
(desipramine hydrochloride) Tablets USP

Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs

Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of NORPRAMIN (desipramine hydrochloride) or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. NORPRAMIN (desipramine hydrochloride) is not approved for use in pediatric patients. (See WARNINGS: Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk, PRECAUTIONS: Information for Patients, and PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric Use.)

DRUG DESCRIPTION

NORPRAMIN® (desipramine hydrochloride USP) is an antidepressant drug of the tricyclic type, and is chemically: 5H-Dibenz[bflazepine-5-propanamine,10,11-dihydro-A/-methyl-, monohydrochloride.

NORPRAMIN (desipramine hydrochloride) structural formula illustration

Inactive Ingredients

The following inactive ingredients are contained in all dosage strengths: acacia, calcium carbonate, corn starch, D&C Red No. 30 and D&C Yellow No. 10 (except 10 mg and 150 mg), FD&C Blue No. 1 (except 50 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg), hydrogenated soy oil, iron oxide, light mineral oil, magnesium stearate, mannitol, polyethylene glycol 8000, pregelatinized corn starch, sodium benzoate (except 150 mg), sucrose, talc, titanium dioxide, and other ingredients.

What are the possible side effects of desipramine (Norpramin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Norpramin »

What are the precautions when taking desipramine hydrochloride (Norpramin)?

See also the Warning section.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have a certain medical condition. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have had: a recent heart attack.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (e.g., asthma, chronic bronchitis), certain eye problems (e.g., glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure), diabetes,...

Read All Potential Precautions of Norpramin »

Last reviewed on RxList: 12/7/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.

Additional Norpramin Information

Norpramin - User Reviews

Norpramin User Reviews

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Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Norpramin sorted by most helpful. Patient Discussions FAQs

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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