Norpramin: Usage, Dosage, Demographic, Side Effects, Interactions, and Generic Options Norpramin (brand name) or desipramine (generic name) is a tricyclic antidepressant that treats depression. It helps increase the levels of neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and serotonin, in the brain that regulate mood. Usage Apart from treating depression, Norpramin has other uses such as treating anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and chronic pain. However, these uses are off-label and are not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Dosage Norpramin comes in tablet form and is taken orally. The dosage is based on the severity of a person's depression, age, weight, and medical condition. It's usually taken one to three times per day, with or without food. A typical starting dose for adults is 25 milligrams (mg) per day, which is increased gradually over time to a maximum of 200 mg per day. For children and adolescents, the starting dose is usually 10 mg per day. It's important to follow the prescription exactly as directed by a healthcare professional. Taking too much Norpramin can result in serious side effects. Demographic Norpramin is approved for adult use only. It's not recommended for use in children unless prescribed by a healthcare professional. Norpramin is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women as it can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Side Effects Like any medication, Norpramin has side effects. Some are common and may go away on their own, while others may require medical attention. Common side effects include: - Dry mouth - Constipation - Blurred vision - Dizziness - Drowsiness - Nausea - Headache - Increased sweating - Weight gain More serious side effects include: - Fast or irregular heartbeat - Seizures - Confusion or agitation - Difficulty urinating - Yellowing of the eyes or skin - Loss of consciousness Interactions Norpramin can interact with other medications, supplements, and substances such as alcohol. Interactions can change how Norpramin works in the body and increase the risk of side effects. Some drugs that can interact with Norpramin include: - MAO inhibitors (such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine) - Anticoagulants (such as warfarin) - Antipsychotics (such as chlorpromazine, haloperidol, and thiothixene) - Epinephrine - Stimulants (such as amphetamines) It's important to let a healthcare professional know all the medications and supplements one is taking before being prescribed Norpramin. Generic Options Desipramine is the generic name for Norpramin and is available under other brand names such as Pertofrane. Generic options are usually more affordable than their brand-name counterparts. Conclusion Norpramin is a tricyclic antidepressant that treats depression by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. It's also used off-label to treat anxiety, ADHD, and chronic pain. Norpramin is approved for adult use only and can cause side effects that range from common to serious. It can also interact with other medications, supplements, and substances. Desipramine is the generic name for Norpramin and is available under other brand names. It's important to follow a healthcare professional's prescription exactly as directed and let them know all the medications and supplements one is taking before being prescribed Norpramin.