Norpramin for Depression Treatment: Dosage and Side Effects
Evidence BasedPublished research by the National Institute of Mental Health states that mental health issues such as depression are prevalent in the United States. The study further estimates that 14.8 million American adults have experienced one chronic episode of depression. Doctors frequently prescribe medications to treat this condition besides recommending psychotherapy sessions. Norpramin, a brand name of desipramine, is one of the drugs that are often chosen for this purpose. Read on to learn about Norpramin’s uses, dosage, and side effects.
There are different approaches to depression treatment. Our doctors will choose the one that will suit your situation best.
What Is Norpramin?
Norpramin is a prescription drug that treats anxiety and depression symptoms and is usually taken alone or with other medications. Norpramin belongs to the category of medicines known as Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) and is FDA-approved.
Typically, depression symptoms manifest when your body’s natural chemicals, norepinephrine, and serotonin, get too low. The TCAs regulate mood by increasing or balancing the level of these chemicals and, as a result reducing the symptoms of depression. It helps to boost energy levels and improve appetite, mood, and sleep, restoring interest in everyday life.
How to Use Norpramin
Take the Norpramin tablet orally, either once or twice a day, as prescribed by the doctor. The dosage depends on the severity of depression and the patient’s reaction to treatment. However, it’s important to note that Norpramin can keep one awake or tired based on the body’s response. Hence, the medical professional may recommend taking the entire dose before bedtime or in the morning.
Be sure to read and understand the medication guide, and consult the pharmacist or doctor in case of any questions. Strictly follow the healthcare provider’s directions and take the medication as prescribed, no more, no less. Taking more than prescribed will not speed up the healing process. Instead, it increases the likelihood of the side effects of desipramine.
Take the desipramine drug regularly for best results. It’s also advisable to take the medication at the exact time every day to keep track of the dosage.
Although it may be tempting for patients to stop using this medication once they suddenly feel better, they must consult a medical professional to reduce the dosage gradually. Otherwise, they can worsen their condition once they abruptly stop taking the medication. There is no way to overemphasize the importance of being patient because desipramine takes time to work. It may take two to three weeks to benefit from the medication fully. Above all, notify the doctor if the condition gets worse.
Norpramin Dosage
Different patients will require different doses of this medicine. The daily dose of Norpramin ranges from 100 to 300 mg according to the patient’s condition. Older adults receive a lower dosage of 25 mg to 150 mg. The physician may begin with a low dosage of Norpramin 25 mg and slowly increase it.
Norpramin Cost
Depending on the pharmacy, you might pay approximately $92 for 10 mg tablets. Norpramin is also available as a generic drug which may be a more cost-effective alternative except if you need the brand version for specific reasons.
Dosages of depression medications may vary from one patient to another. Consult with our professionals to get the most effective treatment.
What Are the Side Effects of Norpramin?
Desipramine causes some common and severe adverse reactions. Common side effects include:
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Sleeping problems
- Nausea
- Weight gain
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Nervousness
- Constipation
The good news is that the side effects of desipramine wear off with time as the body gets used to the medication. Taking lots of fluids, eating frequent meals, and taking medication with food with the doctor’s permission are some of the ways to reduce the severity of the symptoms.
However, seek immediate medical attention if you’re getting worse or have any of these adverse side effects:
- Chest pains
- Irregular heartbeat
- Mental changes, for example, experiencing hallucinations, confusion, and loss of memory
- Seizures
- Severe abdominal pain
- Slurred speech
- Yellowing eyes or skin
- Decreased sexual performance or loss of sexual desire
- Enlarged or painful breasts
- Loss of coordination
- Ringing in the ears
- Muscle stiffness
- Swelling in the hands or legs
- Trouble urinating
- Bleeding or bruising easily
- Signs of kidney issues such as dark urine
In light of desipramine’s potential side effects, doctors don’t recommend driving, operating machinery, or performing any other activity requiring alertness or clear vision.
Most importantly, an overdose of Norpramin is life-threatening. If someone develops the signs of overdose, such as irregular heartbeat, seizures, hallucinations, or severe dizziness, they should immediately contact the poison control center for monitoring and treatment.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions can alter how medications work or increase the risk of severe side effects. Taking Norpramin with some drugs causes serotonin syndrome, which is potentially fatal.
Some of the supplements or drugs that patients can’t take with desipramine due to toxicity include:
- Avoid taking imipramine medication since it works similar to Norpramin
- Herbal supplements like St. John’s wort increase the risk of serotonin syndrome
- Antidepressant medications like MAOIs and SSRIs
- Heartburn medications that contain acid blockers tamper with the body’s ability to process Norpramin
- Alcohol which causes dizziness and sedation
- Anticholinergics such as scopolamine, alkaloids, and atropine
- Blood pressure medication
- Thyroid supplements
- HIV protease inhibitors
Patients should disclose their medications before beginning treatment with Norpramin to avoid serotonin syndrome. Before taking decongestants, one should check the labels or check with their pharmacist. The drug can affect the effectiveness of desipramine.
Conclusion
Norpramin is an FDA-approved antidepressant that treats the symptoms of depression. The starting dosage for Norpramine is usually 25 mg, and it increases depending on how the patient responds to treatment. Although desipramine is less likely to cause adverse side effects, some common signs are blurred vision, dry mouth, dizziness, and bloating. Immediately contact the doctor if the situation gets worse.
Contact us at Mango Clinic for depression treatment options, or book your appointment today for more information on treating depression with Norpramin or another medication.
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