Imipramine is a tricyclic prescription antidepressant typically used to treat symptoms associated with depression, a mental health condition. This medication may also be prescribed for use in patients with multiple sclerosis to manage symptoms associated with bladder dysfunction, such as urinary incontinence. Imipramine is administered orally (tablet or capsule) and should be taken with food. Discuss any questions you have regarding imipramine side effects with your doctor before you begin treatment.
Stomach Upset
While receiving treatment with imipramine, you can develop stomach-related side effects such as upset stomach, nausea, vomiting or constipation. You may also develop abdominal pain, bloating or gas due to imipramine treatment. To limit the severity of such side effects, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society recommends that this medication be taken with food---unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.
Drowsiness
This medication can cause drowsiness to occur in certain patients. Such symptoms can cause you to feel abnormally tired throughout the day and can negatively impact your ability to complete work or school activities.
Dry Mouth
While taking this medication, you can experience excessive dryness in the mouth or throat. This can cause you to be more thirsty than usual, or may cause your throat or mouth to become sore or irritated.
Skin Sensitivity
Treatment with imipramine can increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight, causing your skin to burn more easily than usual when exposed to the sun. Sunburn symptoms include skin redness, tingling, pain, flaking, dryness or peeling. While receiving treatment with this medication, limit your exposure to the sun or be sure to apply a protective sunscreen to your skin before spending time outdoors.
Blurred Vision
You can experience vision-related side effects while receiving treatment with imipramine. Such side effects can include blurred or double vision, which may accompany additional symptoms of eye pain, dizziness, lightheadedness or headache.
Mood Alterations
Impiramine treatment can cause mood alterations in patients receiving this medication. You can become abnormally excited or anxious, explains Medline Plus, a health information website affiliated with the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Additional mood-related side effects can include nightmares, confusion, delirium or hallucinations, and should be discussed with your doctor if they occur.
Body Weight Changes
While receiving treatment with imipramine, you can develop an increase or decrease in your appetite. Such side effects can cause weight gain or weight loss in certain patients.
Libido Changes
If you are taking imipramine, you might begin to notice changes in your sexual drive or desire (libido). You may have difficulty becoming sexually aroused or may develop a decreased interest in sexual activity. Such side effects should be discussed with your physician.
Urinary Changes
Treatment with imipramine can cause urinary changes to occur in some patients. You may notice that you experience more frequent urinary urges or that urination becomes uncomfortable or difficult. If such side effects of imipramine become severe, speak with your doctor for further guidance and care.
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