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Compare Maprotiline vs. Desipramine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Maprotiline and desipramine are both medications used to treat depression, but they belong to different classes. Maprotiline was a tetracyclic antidepressant, but is no longer available in the U.S. Desipramine, sold under the brand name Norpramin, is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). Maprotiline was also used for anxiety associated with depression, but it has been discontinued. Desipramine is still available and is typically taken once a day, with doses adjusted based on your response and side effects. Desipramine is available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of desipramine include sleepiness, confusion, and weight gain, and it can interact with alcohol and other medications.

  • Maprotiline
    Desipramine (Norpramin)
  • Maprotiline
    Desipramine (Norpramin)

  • Summary of Maprotiline vs. Desipramine

    Summary for Tetracyclic antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Maprotiline is an antidepressant used to treat depression and anxiety associated with depression. It's no longer available in the United States because it was discontinued.

    Summary for Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)
    Prescription only

    Desipramine (Norpramin) is an tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). It's FDA-approved to treat depression in adults, but it's not a first-choice medication for this condition. Desipramine (Norpramin) is taken by mouth, typically once per day. Side effects of this medication include sleepiness, confusion, and weight gain. It's best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking desipramine (Norpramin) because doing so can worsen side effects.

  • Indications of Maprotiline vs. Desipramine

    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Anxiety from depression
    Indications for
    •Depression

  • Pros and Cons of Maprotiline vs. Desipramine

    Pros and Const for Tetracyclic antidepressant
    Pros
    Cons
    Pros and Const for Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Comes in many different strengths, which makes dose adjustments easier
    •Can be taken just once a day
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice treatment option because of side effects
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms, like headache and nausea, if you suddenly stop taking it
    •Can raise risk of suicidal thinking in children, teens, and young adults

  • Common Side Effects of Maprotiline vs. Desipramine

    Common Side Effects for
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth
    •Blurry vision
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Confusion
    •Anxiety
    •Restlessness

  • Warnings of Maprotiline vs. Desipramine

    Common Side Effects for
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Risk of heart problems, heart attack, or stroke
    •Glaucoma
    •Higher risk of falls
    •Seizures

  • Prices with our coupons for Maprotiline vs. Desipramine

    Learn more about Maprotiline
    Learn more about Desipramine

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