Desipramine (Oral Route)

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Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to allow for changes in your dose. Blood tests will be needed to check for any unwanted effects .

Desipramine may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. If you, your child, or your caregiver notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor or your child's doctor right away .

Do not take desipramine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (isocarboxazid [e.g., Marplan], phenelzine [e.g., Nardil], selegiline [e.g., Eldepryl], or tranylcypromine [e.g., Parnate]) in the past 2 weeks. Do not start taking a MAO inhibitor within 2 weeks of stopping desipramine. If you do, you may develop confusion, agitation, restlessness, stomach or intestinal symptoms, sudden high body temperature, extremely high blood pressure, or severe convulsions .

Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to reduce gradually the amount you are using before stopping completely. This may help prevent a possible worsening of your condition and reduce the possibility of withdrawal symptoms such as headache, nausea, or a general feeling of discomfort or illness .

This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants (medicines that cause drowsiness). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicines; prescription pain medicine or narcotics; barbiturates; medicine for seizures; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using this medicine.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements .

This medicine may raise or lower your blood sugar. If you notice a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar tests or if you have any questions, check with your doctor .

Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or medical tests .

This medicine may cause some people to become drowsy or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are drowsy or not alert.

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