Imipramine (for nocturnal enuresis)

What is Imipramine (for nocturnal enuresis) for?

Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat a condition called nocturnal enuresis (bed-wetting at night). It helps the bladder muscle to relax, while causing the smooth muscles at the bladder neck to contract, therefore increasing the ability to hold urine in the bladder.

It can also be used to treat symptoms of depression (low mood).

This medication may also be used for other conditions. Check with your healthcare professional if you are unsure why you are given this medication.

How should I take or use Imipramine (for nocturnal enuresis)?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• You may take this medication with or without food.
• It is taken once daily, preferably one hour before bedtime.

What should I do if I forget to take or use Imipramine (for nocturnal enuresis)?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Imipramine (for nocturnal enuresis)?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies
  
• You have heart, liver or kidney problems
• You have diabetes as it may affect blood glucose control
• You have a history of seizures (fits) as part of your medical condition
  
• You have glaucoma
• You are taking other mood medications
  
• You have sudden changes in mood
• You have new or increasing thoughts of harming yourself
  

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Imipramine (for nocturnal enuresis)?

Avoid drinking alcohol as it may increase drowsiness.

What are some common side effects of Imipramine (for nocturnal enuresis)?

Common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Take the medication after food, eat small but frequent meals. Avoid fatty or spicy food.
• Drowsiness
• Avoid driving or taking part in activities requiring you to focus.
  
• Dizziness
• Get up slowly from a sitting or lying position.
• Dry mouth
• Suck ice chips or sugar free candy or drink frequent sips of water
  
• Constipation
  • Drink more water, eat more high-fibre food
    
• Dry eyes
• Apply lubricant eye drops if necessary
  
• Skin sensitive to sunlight
• Wear long-sleeved clothing and apply sunblock to protect yourself from the sun
  

Very rarely (affect less than 1% of patients), this medication may cause:

• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Confusion
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
• Stiffness of arms or legs
• Problems in urinating
• Blurred vision
• Seizures (fits)
  
• Yellow skin or eyes, pain in your upper stomach or dark-coloured urine
  

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

How should I store Imipramine (for nocturnal enuresis)?

• Keep away from children
• Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight

How do I throw away Imipramine (for nocturnal enuresis) safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.