Desipramine
Desipram · ATC code N06AA01
Also known as: Desipramin, Norpramin
- Key facts
- Active substance
- Desipramine
- Drug class
- Antidepressant
- ATC code
- N06AA01
- Authorisation
- authorised nationally; no central EU authorisation
- Information as of
- 2026-10-29
Boxed warning
Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs
Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studiesof major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of NORPRAMIN or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. NORPRAMIN is not approved for use in pediatric patients. (see WARNINGS: Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk , PRECAUTIONS: Information for Patients , and PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric Use ).
Key facts
Desipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant. Per the US prescribing information (NORPRAMIN), it is used to treat depression.
What it is used for
- Treatment of depression
Dosing
- Adults: usually 100 mg to 200 mg per day; in more severely ill patients gradually up to 300 mg/day, higher doses not recommended; treatment at 300 mg should generally start in hospital
- Adolescents and elderly: usually 25 mg to 100 mg daily, up to 150 mg/day in more severe illness, not higher
- Start low and increase according to tolerance; single or divided doses, maintenance once daily
- At least 14 days between an MAOI and desipramine in either direction; not recommended for children
Contraindications
- MAOIs concurrently or within 14 days (serotonin syndrome); starting in patients on linezolid or intravenous methylene blue
- Acute recovery period after myocardial infarction
- Hypersensitivity to desipramine; cross-sensitivity with other dibenzazepines possible
Important warnings
- Boxed warning: increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents and young adults; monitor all ages closely for worsening
- Extreme caution in cardiovascular disease, family history of sudden death or dysrhythmias, urinary retention, glaucoma, thyroid disease and seizure disorders
- Serotonin syndrome, particularly with other serotonergic drugs
- Angle-closure attack possible due to pupillary dilation
- Reports of sudden death in children; QRS or QT prolongation on the ECG indicates impending toxicity
Side effects
- Cardiovascular: hypotension, hypertension, palpitations, heart block, arrhythmias, sudden death
- Anticholinergic: dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention
- Psychiatric and neurologic: confusion (especially in the elderly), restlessness, insomnia, hypomania, tremors, seizures
Interactions
- CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g. quinidine, cimetidine, many antidepressants, phenothiazines, type IC antiarrhythmics) can markedly raise levels
- MAOIs, linezolid, methylene blue and other serotonergic drugs: serotonin syndrome
- May block the antihypertensive effect of guanethidine
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Safe use in pregnancy and lactation has not been established; weigh benefits against possible hazards
Summary of the official product information, written with AI on 2026-10-29. Every number was checked automatically against the original text. Not reviewed by a physician – the full official text is authoritative.
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For patients
Patient information (US)
This product has no separate US patient information.
Authorisation and brand names by country
Medicines with exactly this active-substance composition, as listed in the national registers – alphabetical and without ranking. Whether a product is currently available is not shown here.
Turkey
- DesipramASSOS İLAÇ KİMYA GIDA ÜRÜNLERİ ÜRETİM VE TİC. A.Ş. · 2 register entries
Source: TİTCK – Ruhsatlı Beşeri Tıbbi Ürünler Listesi, as of 2026-10-16
USA
- NorpraminValidus Pharmaceuticals LLC · 1 register entry
Source: U.S. FDA – Drug labels (openFDA/DailyMed), as of 2026-10-29
Medelix receives no money from pharmaceutical companies. Brand names are listed alphabetically and without ranking.
Other substances in the same group
Another question about this substance?
Medelix answers clinical questions from guidelines, studies and product information – every claim with its source.
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Norpramin (Validus Pharmaceuticals LLC) – Prescribing Information, 2025-07-03. DailyMed (NLM), 2026-10-29. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=70b562ea-9f21-4e4a-b3ed-0590b2892f6a
- TİTCK – Ruhsatlı Beşeri Tıbbi Ürünler Listesi, 2026-10-16. https://www.titck.gov.tr/dinamikmodul/85
- U.S. FDA – Drug labels (openFDA/DailyMed), 2026-10-29. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/
- Wikidata (CC0): ATC N06AA.
Editorial: Medelix editorial team · last updated 2026-10-29 · How these pages are made · Report an error
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), prescribing information, via DailyMed (NLM); public domain. Not advertising, not a treatment recommendation. For questions about your own treatment, ask your doctor or pharmacist.