Medicines
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Brand: Norpramin, Pertofrane
Desipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) primarily used to treat depression. It works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and serotonin, in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in regulating mood, and their deficiency is implicated in depression. Desipramine belongs to the dibenzazepine class of TCAs and is known for its more selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibition compared to some other TCAs.
For the treatment of depression.
Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in short-term studies in children and adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of desipramine or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need. Patients who are started on therapy should be observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior.
Outcome:
Hypertensive crisis
Mechanism:
Increased serotonin and norepinephrine levels
Outcome:
Increased anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention)
Mechanism:
Additive anticholinergic effects
Outcome:
Decreased desipramine levels
Mechanism:
Increased desipramine metabolism
Most likely new formulation: Extended-release formulation to improve adherence (Year: 2026, 30% confidence)
Based on current usage trends and clinical trial data, there is a low probability (<5%) of new regulatory restrictions being imposed on desipramine in the next 5 years.
Tricyclic Antidepressant
Dibenzazepine