Trade names Norpramin MedlinePlus a682387 ATC code N06AA01 (WHO) | AHFS/Drugs.com Monograph Routes of
administration Oral | |
 | ||
Pregnancy
category US: C (Risk not ruled out) | ||
Desipramine (also known as desmethylimipramine) is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). It inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and to a minor extent serotonin. It is used to treat depression, but not considered a first line treatment since the introduction of SSRI antidepressants. Desipramine is an active metabolite of imipramine. It is sold under the brand names Norpramin, and Pertofrane.
Contents
Medical uses
It is primarily used for the treatment of depression. It may also be useful to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Evidence of benefit is only in the short term and with concerns of side effects its overall usefulness is not clear. Desipramine at very low doses is also used to help reduce the pain associated with functional dyspepsia.
It is used effectively in the treatment of post herpetic neuralgia, a sequelae to Herpes Zoster infections.
It has also been tried, albeit with little evidence of efficacy, in the treatment of cocaine dependence. Evidence for usefulness in neuropathic pain is also poor.
Adverse effects
Desipramine tends to be less sedating than other TCAs and tends to produce fewer anticholinergic effects like dry mouth, urinary retention, blurred vision, memory impairment and constipation.
Genotoxicity
Desipramine has been shown to be genotoxic in fruit flies; and it is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in women.
Overdose
Desipramine is particularly toxic in cases of overdose, compared to other antidepressants. Any overdose or suspected overdose of desipramine is considered to be a medical emergency and can result in death without prompt medical intervention.