Imipramine can cause a multitude of side-effects; however, anticholinergic and sedative effects are lesser than with amitriptyline. Nevertheless, dry mouth, tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension and weight gain have been observed. Other common side-effects are constipation, blurred vision, retention of urine and sexual dysfunctions; the elderly can experience memory disturbances, confusion, and other central nervous problems. Convulsions, hyponatremia, skin reactions, galactorrhea, etc., are rare. Imipramine can cause arrhythmias. Life threatening complications caused by cardiac or other disturbances (agranulocytosis, necrosis of the liver) are very rare. In the case of an overdosage, cardiac dangers are the primary concern. There is only limited documentation on withdrawal symptoms after an imipramine therapy.

Imipramine: Interactions

Significant interactions with alcohol, barbiturates, cimetidine, neuroleptics (central nervous sedation) and other drugs with anticholinergic effects; with MAO inhibitors, sympathomimetics (hypertensive crisis, general reaction); quinidine (cardiotoxicity).

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