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Desipramine Coupon - Desipramine 10mg tablet

desipramine

Generic Norpramin
Used for Depression
Used for Depression

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on January 11, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Desipramine (Norpramin)?

What is Desipramine (Norpramin) used for?

How Desipramine (Norpramin) works

Desipramine (Norpramin) is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). The exact way it works isn't known. Desipramine (Norpramin) is thought to work by raising the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which can improve mood.

Are you looking for information on clomipramine (Anafranil) or imipramine (Tofranil) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsNorpramin
Drug ClassTricyclic antidepressant (TCA)
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Desipramine (Norpramin)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Dry mouth
  • Blurry vision
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Sleepiness
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Anxiety
  • Restlessness

Other Side Effects

  • Tremors
  • Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
  • Bladder problems
  • Sun sensitivity
  • Weight gain or weight loss

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
  • Serotonin syndrome: fast heartbeat, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, and confusion
  • Heart attack: chest pain, cold sweats, left arm pain, difficulty breathing
  • Stroke: sudden numbness, weakness, confusion, or difficulty talking
  • Serious allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives, itching, fast heartbeat, tightness in the throat, dizziness, swelling in the face or tongue

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Abdominal or stomach pain

anxiety

black, tarry stools

blurred or double vision

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

chest pain or discomfort

confusion about identity, place, and time

convulsions

cough or hoarseness

dark urine

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

dry mouth

fainting

fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse

inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles

inability to speak

irritability

light-colored stools

lightheadedness

loss of appetite

loss of bladder control

muscle spasms or jerking of all extremities

nausea

nightmares

pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck

painful or difficult urination

pinpoint red or purple spots on the skin

pounding in the ears

rash

restlessness

seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

shakiness and unsteady walk

slow speech

sore throat and fever

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

stiffness of the limbs

sudden loss of consciousness

sweating

swelling

swollen glands

talking, feeling, and acting with excitement

trouble sleeping

twisting body movements

unsteadiness, trembling, or problems with muscle control or coordination

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

yellow eyes and skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

Abdominal or stomach cramps

bigger, dilated, or enlarged pupils (black part of the eye)

bloating

constipation

decrease in the frequency of urination

decrease in urine volume

decreased interest in sexual intercourse

diarrhea

difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)

hair loss or thinning of the hair

inability to have or keep an erection

increased in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

increased interest in sexual intercourse

increased sensitivity of the eyes to light

loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

painful urination

swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males

swelling or inflammation of the mouth

unexpected or excess milk flow from breasts in females

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Desipramine (Norpramin)

thumbs-up

Pros

Available as a lower-cost generic

Comes in many different strengths, which makes dose adjustments easier

Can be taken just once a day

thumbs-down

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

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Desipramine (Norpramin)

pharmacist

  • Take desipramine (Norpramin) at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. But it's recommended to take it with food because the medication can upset your stomach and sometimes cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

    • You might notice desipramine (Norpramin) starting to work within 2-5 days. But it can take 2 to 3 weeks, and sometimes longer, to feel the full benefits of the medication.

      • Your provider will make adjustments to your desipramine (Norpramin) dose over time to find the dose that works best for you. Talk to your provider if you're concerned with how well desipramine (Norpramin) is working for you.

        • Antidepressant medications, like desipramine (Norpramin), can worsen symptoms of depression or raise the risk of suicidal thoughts. Contact your provider right away if you or your loved ones notice any new or worsening changes in your behavior or mood while you're taking the medication.

          • Don't change your dose or suddenly stop taking desipramine (Norpramin) without talking to your provider first. Doing so can cause bothersome withdrawal symptoms like nausea, irritability, and sleep problems. Follow your provider's instructions to lower your dose slowly over a period of time to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

            • Desipramine (Norpramin) can cause side effects like sleepiness, dizziness, and vision changes. Don't drive or do anything that requires you to focus until you know how this medication affects you. Also, avoid alcohol because it can worsen side effects.

              • If you have an upcoming surgery, tell your provider you're taking desipramine (Norpramin). They might need to pause your treatment because this medication might cause heart-related problems, such high blood pressure levels, in surgery.

                • Desipramine (Norpramin) is likely safe to take while breastfeeding because studies show very little, if any, medication gets into breastmilk. This means it's likely not going to get passed to your baby and cause side effects. But to be safe, make sure to ask your provider if it's okay for you to breastfeed while taking desipramine (Norpramin).

                  faqs

                  Frequently asked questions about Desipramine (Norpramin)

                  Is desipramine (Norpramin) a controlled substance?
                  No, desipramine (Norpramin) isn't a controlled substance because it doesn't have a risk of misuse or addiction.
                  Is desipramine (Norpramin) a narcotic?
                  No, desipramine (Norpramin) isn't a narcotic, it's an tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). Narcotics are opioid medications.
                  Is desipramine (Norpramin) a SSRI?
                  No, desipramine (Norpramin) isn't a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs); it's a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). TCAs and SSRIs are different classes of antidepressants used for depression, but they work differently and generally have different side effects. SSRIs are first-choice medications for depression, but TCAs aren't due to the risk of more side effects.
                  Can desipramine (Norpramin) be cut in half?
                  In general, you can cut pills in half if they have a score line down the middle. But if your desipramine (Norpramin) doesn't have a score line, talk with your pharmacist. They can help check the manufacturer label of your medication to see if there are any specific instructions. Some desipramine (Norpramin) pills might have a special coating that affect how the medication is released in the body, and those shouldn't be cut in half. If you're having trouble swallowing the tablets whole, talk to your provider or pharmacist about other options.
                  Does desipramine (Norpramin) cause weight gain?
                  Yes, some people might gain weight from taking desipramine (Norpramin). In general, antidepressants can cause weight gain. TCAs, like desipramine (Norpramin), are more likely to cause weight gain than others. Keep in mind not everyone will gain weight from taking desipramine (Norpramin); some people reported weight loss as well. To lower your risk of weight gain, eat healthy diet and follow a regular exercise routine. Contact your provider if you're uncomfortable with how much weight you've gained during treatment and they can talk with you about your options.
                  Can desipramine (Norpramin) cause diarrhea?
                  Some people have reported diarrhea while taking desipramine (Norpramin), though it's unclear whether the symptoms are caused by desipramine (Norpramin) or other factors. This medication is more likely to cause constipation, rather than diarrhea. That's because as a drug class, TCAs like desipramine (Norpramin) are anticholinergic medications. Based on how they work in the body, they can cause constipation. If you've more questions about how desipramine (Norpramin) might affect bowel movement, talk with your provider.
                  Can desipramine (Norpramin) cause high blood pressure?
                  People taking desipramine (Norpramin) have reported both high and low blood pressure. Tell your provider if you have low or high blood pressure before starting desipramine (Norpramin). They might ask you to track your blood pressure regularly at home, especially when you first start this medication or whenever there's a change in your dose. If your blood pressure changes too much, your provider might talk with you about other treatment options.
                  Can desipramine (Norpramin) cause insomnia?
                  Some people have reported insomnia (difficulty sleeping) and nightmares after starting desipramine (Norpramin). But others have experienced drowsiness from this medication as well. When you first start desipramine (Norpramin), pay attention to how desipramine (Norpramin) affects your sleep. If you're having trouble sleeping, your provider might ask you to take desipramine (Norpramin) in the morning. But if you feel sleepy after a dose, they'll ask you to take it at night instead.
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                  What are the risks and warnings for Desipramine (Norpramin)?

                  Desipramine (Norpramin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                  risk-warning

                  Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior

                  • Risk factors: Age 24 years and younger | History of depression or other mental health conditions | Heavy alcohol use

                    Taking desipramine (Norpramin) can make your depression worse and cause you to have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. The risk is highest if you're 24 years of age or younger, during the first few weeks of taking the medication, and when your dose changes. Get medical help right away if you or anyone around you notices that you have suicidal thoughts or unusual behavior (e.g., anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, feeling angry or irritated, restlessness) while you're taking desipramine (Norpramin).

                    risk-warning

                    Not for use alone in bipolar disorder

                    Depression can be the first sign of bipolar disorder. If you're at risk for bipolar disorder, taking antidepressants, like desipramine (Norpramin), by themselves can trigger a bipolar manic episode. Before starting desipramine (Norpramin), your provider will check to see whether you have or are at risk for bipolar disorder. Desipramine (Norpramin) isn't used to treat bipolar depression. Talk to your provider right away if you or your loved ones notice unusual changes in your behavior, such as racing thoughts, restlessness, getting easily distracted, or unusual talkativeness.

                    risk-warning

                    Serotonin syndrome

                    • Risk factors: Taking desipramine (Norpramin) with other medications that raise serotonin levels

                      Serotonin syndrome is a rare, but potentially life-threatening, condition that happens when there's too much serotonin active in the brain. This is more likely to happen if you're also taking other medications that affect serotonin levels, such as other antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), lithium (Lithobid), triptans, and St. John's Wort. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include fast heartbeat, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, and confusion. Go to the emergency room right away if you think you're having these symptoms.

                      risk-warning

                      Risk of heart problems, heart attack, or stroke

                      • Risk factors: History of heart problems | History of thyroid problems | Taking high doses of desipramine (Norpramin)

                        It's possible for desipramine (Norpramin) to affect your heart rhythm and cause a fast or irregular heart beat (e.g., arrhythmia). In addition, some people taking medications like desipramine (Norpramin) have had a heart attack or stroke during treatment. If you have any heart problems or had a stroke before, talk to your provider before starting desipramine (Norpramin) to see whether this medication is right for you.

                        risk-warning

                        Glaucoma

                        • Risk factors: History of angle-closure glaucoma

                          Desipramine (Norpramin) can lead to or worsen angle-closure glaucoma. You might need to see your optometrist regularly and get eye exams to check your eyes and make sure your vision isn't worsening. Contact your provider if you notice changes in your vision after starting desipramine (Norpramin).

                          risk-warning

                          Higher risk of falls

                          • Risk factors: Age 65 years or older | Low blood pressure | Taking medications that lower blood pressure | History of medical conditions that can lower blood pressure | Kidney problems

                            Desipramine (Norpramin) can make you feel tired. It can also lower your blood pressure, which can make you feel dizzy or lose your balance. These can all lead to accidental falls and injuries. When standing from a sitting or lying position, make sure to get up slowly and hold onto something. Contact your provider if you still feel dizzy after a couple weeks of starting the medication or experience a fall while taking desipramine (Norpramin). They might recommend that you switch to a different medication.

                            risk-warning

                            Seizures

                            • Risk factors: History of seizures | Taking high doses of desipramine (Norpramin)

                              Desipramine (Norpramin) might raise your risk for seizures, especially when it's used at higher doses. If you've had a seizure before, discuss with your provider to see whether desipramine (Norpramin) is right for you.

                              dosage

                              Desipramine (Norpramin) dosage forms

                              The average cost for 30 tablets of 10mg of Desipramine (Norpramin) is $12.99 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 68.4% off the average retail price of $41.10.
                              tablet
                              Tablet
                              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                              10mg30 tablets$12.99$0.43
                              25mg90 tablets$27.81$0.31
                              50mg90 tablets$42.89$0.48
                              75mg90 tablets$43.77$0.49
                              100mg30 tablets$28.27$0.94
                              150mg30 tablets$35.70$1.19

                              Typical dosing for Desipramine (Norpramin)

                              The dose is typically started low and slowly raised based on how well it's working to treat your symptoms and if you're having side effects.

                              • Adults: The typical dose ranges from 100 mg to 200 mg by mouth daily. The maximum daily dose is 300 mg.

                              • Adolescents and older adults: The typical dose ranges from 25 mg to 100 mg by mouth daily. The maximum daily dose is 150 mg.

                              interactions

                              Interactions between Desipramine (Norpramin) and other drugs

                              Desipramine (Norpramin) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Desipramine (Norpramin). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                              contraindications-icon

                              Desipramine (Norpramin) contraindications

                              Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Desipramine (Norpramin) will not be safe for you to take.

                              • Currently taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the last 14 days

                              • Recent heart attack

                              alternatives

                              What are alternatives to Desipramine (Norpramin)?

                              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Desipramine (Norpramin). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                              Desipramine (Norpramin)
                              Used for:
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                              Amitriptyline
                              Used for:

                              • Depression

                              $4.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                              Fluoxetine (Prozac)
                              Used for:
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                              latest news

                              What is the latest news about Desipramine (Norpramin)?

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                              8 Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA) Side Effects: Dizziness, Dry Mouth, and More

                              Read on to learn the side effects of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), including common, rare, and long-term side effects, and how to manage them.
                              Tricyclic antidepressants, such as doxepin and amitriptyline, are sometimes prescribed for depression. Learn more with this list of tricyclic antidepressants.

                              Amitriptyline, Doxepin, and More: The Essential Facts About 9 Tricyclic Antidepressants

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                              Desipramine (Norpramin) images

                              White Round E 29 - Desipramine Hydrochloride 10mg Tablet
                              This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "E 29".White Round E 29 - Desipramine Hydrochloride 10mg Tablet
                              White Square N6 - Desipramine Hydrochloride 10mg Tablet
                              This medicine is White, Square Tablet Imprinted With "N6".White Square N6 - Desipramine Hydrochloride 10mg Tablet
                              White Round Logo 341 - Desipramine Hydrochloride 10mg Tablet
                              This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Logo 341".White Round Logo 341 - Desipramine Hydrochloride 10mg Tablet
                              Blue Round 01 And L - Desipramine Hydrochloride 10mg Tablet
                              This medicine is Blue, Round Tablet Imprinted With "L" And "01".Blue Round 01 And L - Desipramine Hydrochloride 10mg Tablet

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                              References

                              Best studies we found

                              Calvi, A., et al. (2021). Antidepressant drugs effects on blood pressure. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine.

                              Department of Justice/Drug Enforcement Administration. (2020). Narcotics.

                              Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). (2022). Desipramine. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

                              View All References (5)

                              Hearn, L., et al. (2014). Desipramine for neuropathic pain in adults. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

                              Moraczewski, J., et al. (2023). Tricyclic antidepressants. StatPearls.

                              Moret, C., et al. (2011). The importance of norepinephrine in depression. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment.

                              Patel, B. N., et al. (2011). Antidepressant use during pregnancy. American Family Physician.

                              Validus Pharmaceuticals LLC. (2023). Norpramin- desipramine hydrochloride tablet, sugar coated [package insert]. DailyMed.

                              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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