DESIPRAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE 10 mg Tablet, Film Coated, 100-count
Other active recalls for Desipramine Hydrochloride (different manufacturers) — 6 · tap to view
🆔 Identity & classification
Where does this data come from?
🏷️ RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the Tricyclic Antidepressant class.
Where does this data come from?
🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
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🩺 Clinical
Desipramine is used to treat depression. Desipramine is in a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants. It works by increasing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain that are needed for mental balance.
Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗- Desipramine is prescribed to treat depression. It's been around for decades and belongs to a group of older antidepressants called tricyclics. Brands you might see include Norprami...
- Some people notice small improvements within 2 to 5 days, but for most people the full benefit takes about 2 to 3 weeks. It's important not to stop taking it early just because you...
- How long does it take before I start feeling better?
- Common side effects include dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, and blurred vision — these often ease as your body adjusts. Call your doctor right away if you notice ch...
Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
Desipramine may be associated with lower levels of 3 nutrients — worth a chat with your pharmacist, not a cause for alarm.
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Ask a licensed pharmacist directly — free, answered by our team.
💊 What it looks like
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🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.
💡 Tap an ingredient (hover on desktop) to see what it is and why it’s used.
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UNII 2968PHW8QP
A weak organic acid derived from citrus fruits or made through fermentation. It works as a buffer to control pH, a preservative to extend shelf life, and a flavoring agent in medications.
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UNII M28OL1HH48
Croscarmellose sodium is a plant-based substance derived from cellulose. It acts as a disintegrant, helping tablets and capsules break down quickly in the digestive system so the medicine can be absorbed.
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UNII H3R47K3TBD
FD&C Blue No. 1 is a synthetic blue dye approved for use in foods and medicines. It serves as a colorant to give the medication its distinctive appearance and help with product identification.
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UNII EX438O2MRT
Ferric oxide yellow is a naturally occurring iron compound used as a colorant in medications. It gives tablets, capsules, and other forms a yellow or golden hue for identification and appearance.
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UNII UKE75GEA7F
Hydroxypropyl cellulose is a plant-based polymer used as a binder and thickener. It helps hold tablet ingredients together, controls how fast the medicine dissolves, and improves the texture of liquid formulations.
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UNII 3NXW29V3WO
Hypromellose is a plant-based thickener made from cellulose. It's used in medicines as a binder to hold ingredients together, a coating for tablets, and a thickener for liquids.
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UNII 70097M6I30
Magnesium stearate is a salt made from magnesium and stearic acid, a fatty substance. It's used in tablets and capsules as a lubricant and glidant to help ingredients flow smoothly during manufacturing and prevent sticking.
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UNII OP1R32D61U
Microcrystalline cellulose is a purified form of cellulose, a natural fiber from plant sources. It acts as a binder and filler in tablets and capsules, helping hold ingredients together and give the medicine its shape and size.
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UNII Q662QK8M3B
Polyethylene glycol 8000 is a synthetic polymer made from ethylene oxide. It acts as a binder and filler in tablets and capsules, helping hold ingredients together and add bulk to the medicine.
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UNII 7SEV7J4R1U
A powder made from a naturally occurring mineral. In medicines, talc works as a glidant and anti-caking agent, helping tablets and capsules flow smoothly during manufacturing and preventing clumping.
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UNII 15FIX9V2JP
Titanium dioxide is a bright white mineral powder commonly used as a colorant and opacifying agent. It makes pills and tablets white or lighter in color and helps make coatings non-transparent.
11 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
Where does this data come from?
ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.Inactive ingredient FAQ
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💲 Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per ea | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | $0.155 | $15.51 / 100 tablets |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | $0.2634 | $26.34 / 100 tablets |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 | $0.3132 | $31.32 / 100 tablets |
Where does this data come from?
🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desipramine Hydrochloride 10 mg 23155-0578-01 | Heritage | 100 tablets | $0.155 | — | Availability likely | — |
| Desipramine Hydrochloride 10 mg 45963-0341-02 | Actavis | 100 tablets | $0.155 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Desipramine Hydrochloride 10 mg 50742-0112-01 | Ingenus | 100 tablets | $0.155 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Desipramine Hydrochloride 10 mgthis 62332-0315-31 | Alembic | 100 tablets | $0.155 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Desipramine Hydrochloride 10 mg 69238-1053-01 | Amneal | 100 tablets | $0.155 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Desipramine Hydrochloride 10 mg 62135-0593-12 | Chartwell | 120 tablets | $0.161 | — | Availability likely | +4% |
| Norpramin 10 mg 30698-0007-01 | Validus | 100 tablets | — | — | FDA listed | — |
| Desipramine Hydrochloride 10 mg 46708-0315-30 | Alembic | 30 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Desipramine Hydrochloride 10 mg 70518-4645-00 | REMEDYREPACK | 50 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Desipramine HCL 10 mg 72189-0391-30 | Direct_Rx | 30 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
Where does this data come from?
⏳ Availability & generic status
This product is an FDA-approved generic. Other versions of the same drug are listed under Therapeutic equivalents, least expensive first.
Where does this data come from?
🗺️ Medicaid utilization & spend
💊 Medicaid utilization by pack size
📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Per unit | Per pack | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62332-0315-30 | 30 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (62332-315-30) | — | — | 2021-07-08 | Active |
| 62332-0315-31 You're viewing this | 100 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (62332-315-31) | $0.1551 / ea | $15.51 | 2021-07-08 | Active |
| 62332-0315-91 | 1000 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (62332-315-91) | — | — | 2021-07-08 | Active |
You're viewing one of 3 pack sizes for this product.
Pack size FAQ
What quantity is in NDC 62332-0315-31?
What is the difference between NDC 62332-0315-31 and NDC 62332-0315-30?
What NDC number is used to bill for this package of DESIPRAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE 10 mg Tablet, Film Coated?
Prices are the latest CMS NADAC pharmacy acquisition cost per NDC; per-pack figures are per-unit × pack quantity, shown only when the pack is denominated in the same measure NADAC prices.
📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🚨 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 studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of desipramine hydrochloride tablets 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.
Desipramine hydrochloride tablets are not approved for use in pediatric patients (see WARNINGS: Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk, PRECAUTIONS: Information for Patients, and PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric Use).
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Desipramine hydrochloride tablets, USP are indicated for the treatment of depression.
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Not recommended for use in children (see WARNINGS). Lower dosages are recommended for elderly patients and adolescents. Lower dosages are also recommended for outpatients compared to hospitalized patients, who are closely supervised.
Dosage should be initiated at a low level and increased according to clinical response and any evidence of intolerance. Following remission, maintenance medication may be required for a period of time and should be at the lowest dose that will maintain remission. Usual Adult Dose The usual adult dose is 100 mg to 200 mg per day.
In more severely ill patients, dosage may be further increased gradually to 300 mg/day if necessary. Dosages above 300 mg/day are not recommended. Dosage should be initiated at a lower level and increased according to tolerance and clinical response.
Treatment of patients requiring as much as 300 mg should generally be initiated in hospitals, where regular visits by the physician, skilled nursing care, and frequent electrocardiograms (ECGs) are available. The best available evidence of impending toxicity from very high doses of desipramine hydrochloride tablets are prolongation of the QRS or QT intervals on the ECG. Prolongation of the PR interval is also significant, but less closely correlated with plasma levels.
Clinical symptoms of intolerance, especially drowsiness, dizziness, and postural hypotension, should also alert the physician to the need for reduction in dosage. Initial therapy may be administered in divided doses or a single daily dose. Maintenance therapy may be given on a once-daily schedule for patient convenience and compliance.
Adolescent and Geriatric Dose The usual adolescent and geriatric dose is 25 mg to 100 mg daily. Dosage should be initiated at a lower level and increased according to tolerance and clinical response to a usual maximum of 100 mg daily. In more severely ill patients, dosage may be further increased to 150 mg/day.
Doses above 150 mg/day are not recommended in these age groups. Initial therapy may be administered in divided doses or a single daily dose. Maintenance therapy may be given on a once-daily schedule for patient convenience and compliance.
Switching a Patient To or From a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) Intended to Treat Psychiatric Disorders : At least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders and initiation of therapy with desipramine hydrochloride tablets. Conversely, at least 14 days should be allowed after stopping desipramine hydrochloride tablets before starting an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders (see CONTRAINDICATIONS). Use of Desipramine Hydrochloride Tablets with Other MAOI’s Such as Linezolid or Methylene Blue: Do not start desipramine hydrochloride tablets in a patient who is being treated with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue because there is increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
In a patient who requires more urgent treatment of a psychiatric condition, other interventions, including hospitalization, should be considered (see CONTRAINDICATIONS). In some cases, a patient already receiving desipramine hydrochloride tablets therapy may require urgent treatment with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. If acceptable alternatives to linezolid or intravenous methylene blue treatment are not available and the potential benefits of linezolid or intravenous methylene blue treatment are judged to outweigh the risks of serotonin syndrome in a particular patient, desipramine hydrochloride tablets should be stopped promptly, and linezolid or intravenous methylene blue can be administered.
The patient should be monitored for symptoms of serotonin syndrome for 2 weeks or until 24 hours after the last dose of linezolid or intravenous methylene blue, whichever comes first. Therapy with desipramine hydrochloride tablets may be resumed 24 hours after the last dose of linezolid or intravenous methylene blue (see WARNINGS). T…
⛔ Contraindications ▾
CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of MAOIs intended to treat psychiatric disorders with desipramine hydrochloride tablet or within 14 days of stopping treatment with desipramine hydrochloride tablet is contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome. The use of desipramine hydrochloride tablet within 14 days of stopping an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders is also contraindicated (see WARNINGS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Starting desipramine hydrochloride tablets in a patient who is being treated with MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue is also contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome (see WARNINGS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Desipramine hydrochloride tablets are contraindicated in the acute recovery period following myocardial infarction. It should not be used in those who have shown prior hypersensitivity to the drug. Cross-sensitivity between this and other dibenzazepines is a possibility.
⚠️ Warnings ▾
WARNINGS Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), both adult and pediatric, may experience worsening of their depression and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior (suicidality) or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking antidepressant medications, and this risk may persist until significant remission occurs. Suicide is a known risk of depression and certain other psychiatric disorders, and these disorders themselves are the strongest predictors of suicide.
There has been a long-standing concern, however, that antidepressants may have a role in inducing worsening of depression and the emergence of suicidality in certain patients during the early phases of treatment. Pooled analyses of short-term placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant drugs (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors [SSRIs] and others) showed that these drugs increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 18 to 24) with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders.
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 with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older. The pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials in children and adolescents with MDD, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or other psychiatric disorders included a total of 24 short-term trials of 9 antidepressant drugs in over 4400 patients. The pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials in adults with MDD or other psychiatric disorders included a total of 295 short-term trials (median duration of 2 months) of 11 antidepressant drugs in over 77,000 patients.
There was considerable variation in risk of suicidality among drugs, but a tendency toward an increase in the younger patients for almost all drugs studied. There were differences in absolute risk of suicidality across the different indications, with the highest incidence in MDD. The risk differences (drug vs. placebo), however, were relatively stable within age strata and across indications.
These risk differences (drug-placebo difference in the number of cases of suicidality per 1000 patients treated) are provided in Table 1. Table 1 Age Range Drug-Placebo Difference in Number of Cases of Suicidality per 1000 Patients Treated Increases Compared to Placebo <18 14 additional cases 18 to 24 5 additional cases Decreases Compared to Placebo 25 to 64 1 fewer case ≥65 6 fewer cases No suicides occurred in any of the pediatric trials. There were suicides in the adult trials, but the number was not sufficient to reach any conclusion about drug effect on suicide.
It is unknown whether the suicidality risk extends to longer-term use, i.e., beyond several months. However, there is substantial evidence from placebo-controlled maintenance trials in adults with depression that the use of antidepressants can delay the recurrence of depression. All patients being treated with antidepressants for any indication should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, and unusual changes in behavior, especially during the initial few months of a course of drug therapy, or at times of dose changes, either increases or decreases.
The following symptoms, anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, akathisia (psychomotor restlessness), hypomania, and mania, have been reported in adult and pediatric patients being treated with antidepressants for major depressive disorder as well as for other indications, both psychiatric and nonpsychiatric. Although a causal link between the emergence of such symptoms and either the worsening of depression and/or the emergence of suicidal impulses has not been established, there is concern that such symptoms may represent precursors to emerging suicidali…
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
ADVERSE REACTIONS Included in the following listing are a few adverse reactions that have not been reported with this specific drug. However, the pharmacologic similarities among the tricyclic antidepressant drugs require that each of the reactions be considered when desipramine hydrochloride tablets are given. Cardiovascular: Hypotension, hypertension, palpitations, heart block, myocardial infarction, stroke, arrhythmias, premature ventricular contractions, tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, sudden death There has been a report of an “acute collapse” and “sudden death” in an 8-year-old (18 kg) male, treated for 2 years for hyperactivity.
There have been additional reports of sudden death in children (see PRECAUTIONS-Pediatric Use). Psychiatric: Confusional states (especially in the elderly) with hallucinations, disorientation, delusions; anxiety, restlessness, agitation; insomnia and nightmares; hypomania; exacerbation of psychosis Neurologic: Numbness, tingling, paresthesias of extremities; incoordination, ataxia, tremors; peripheral neuropathy; extrapyramidal symptoms; seizures; alterations in EEG patterns; tinnitus Symptoms attributed to Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome have been reported during desipramine use with and without concomitant neuroleptic therapy.
Anticholinergic: Dry mouth, and rarely associated sublingual adenitis; blurred vision, disturbance of accommodation, mydriasis, increased intraocular pressure; constipation, paralytic ileus; urinary retention, delayed micturition, dilation of urinary tract Allergic: Skin rash, petechiae, urticaria, itching, photosensitization (avoid excessive exposure to sunlight), edema (of face and tongue or general), drug fever, cross-sensitivity with other tricyclic drugs Hematologic: Bone marrow depressions including agranulocytosis, eosinophilia, purpura, thrombocytopenia Gastrointestinal: Anorexia, nausea and vomiting, epigastric distress, peculiar taste, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, stomatitis, black tongue, hepatitis, jaundice (simulating obstructive), altered liver function, elevated liver function tests, increased pancreatic enzymes Endocrine: Gynecomastia in the male, breast enlargement and galactorrhea in the female; increased or decreased libido, impotence, painful ejaculation, testicular swelling; elevation or depression of blood sugar levels; syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) Other: Weight gain or loss; perspiration, flushing; urinary frequency, nocturia; parotid swelling; drowsiness, dizziness, proneness to falling, weakness and fatigue, headache; fever; alopecia; elevated alkaline phosphatase, hyponatremia.
Withdrawal Symptoms: Though not indicative of addiction, abrupt cessation of treatment after prolonged therapy may produce nausea, headache, and malaise. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited at 1-866-210-9797 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
🔄 Drug Interactions ▾
Drug Interactions Drugs Metabolized by P450 2D6. The biochemical activity of the drug metabolizing isozyme cytochrome P450 2D6 (debrisoquin hydroxylase) is reduced in a subset of the Caucasian population (about 7% to 10% of Caucasians are so called “poor metabolizers”); reliable estimates of the prevalence of reduced P450 2D6 isozyme activity among Asian, African and other populations are not yet available. Poor metabolizers have higher than expected plasma concentrations of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) when given usual doses.
Depending on the fraction of drug metabolized by P450 2D6, the increase in plasma concentration may be small, or quite large (8 fold increase in plasma AUC of the TCA). In addition, certain drugs inhibit the activity of this isozyme and make normal metabolizers resemble poor metabolizers. An individual who is stable on a given dose of TCA may become abruptly toxic when given one of these inhibiting drugs as concomitant therapy.
The drugs that inhibit cytochrome P450 2D6 include some that are not metabolized by the enzyme (quinidine; cimetidine) and many that are substrates for P450 2D6 (many other antidepressants, phenothiazines, and the Type IC antiarrhythmics propafenone and flecainide). While all the SSRIs, e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, inhibit P450 2D6, they may vary in the extent of inhibition. The extent to which SSRI TCA interactions may pose clinical problems will depend on the degree of inhibition and the pharmacokinetics of the SSRI involved.
Nevertheless, caution is indicated in the co-administration of TCAs with any of the SSRIs and also in switching from one class to the other. Of particular importance, sufficient time must elapse before initiating TCA treatment in a patient being withdrawn from fluoxetine, given the long half-life of the parent and active metabolite (at least 5 weeks may be necessary). Concomitant use of tricyclic antidepressants with drugs that can inhibit cytochrome P450 2D6 may require lower doses than usually prescribed for either the tricyclic antidepressant or the other drug.
Furthermore, whenever one of these other drugs is withdrawn from co-therapy, an increased dose of tricyclic antidepressant may be required. It is desirable to monitor TCA plasma levels whenever a TCA is going to be co-administered with another drug known to be an inhibitor of P450 2D6. Close supervision and careful adjustment of dosage are required when this drug is given concomitantly with anticholinergic or sympathomimetic drugs.
Patients should be warned that while taking this drug their response to alcoholic beverages may be exaggerated. If desipramine hydrochloride tablets are to be combined with other psychotropic agents such as tranquilizers or sedative/hypnotics, careful consideration should be given to the pharmacology of the agents employed since the sedative effects of desipramine hydrochloride tablets and benzodiazepines (e.g., chlordiazepoxide or diazepam) are additive. Both the sedative and anticholinergic effects of the major tranquilizers are also additive to those of desipramine hydrochloride tablets.
Concomitant use of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) and serotonergic drugs may potentially cause life threatening adverse events (see CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS, and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in the pediatric population have not been established (see BOX WARNING and WARNINGS-Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk). Therefore, desipramine hydrochloride tablets are not recommended for use in children. Anyone considering the use of desipramine hydrochloride tablets in a child or adolescent must balance the potential risks with the clinical need.
(see also ADVERSE REACTIONS-Cardiovascular). General It is important that this drug be dispensed in the least possible quantities to depressed outpatients, since suicide has been accomplished with this class of drug (see WARNINGS-Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk). Ordinary prudence requires that children not have access to this drug or to potent drugs of any kind; if possible, this drug should be dispensed in containers with child-resistant safety closures.
Storage of this drug in the home must be supervised responsibly. If serious adverse effects occur, dosage should be reduced or treatment should be altered. Desipramine hydrochloride tablets therapy in patients with manic-depressive illness may induce a hypomanic state after the depressive phase terminates.
The drug may cause exacerbation of psychosis in schizophrenic patients. Both elevation and lowering of blood sugar levels have been reported. Leukocyte and differential counts should be performed in any patient who develops fever and sore throat during therapy; the drug should be discontinued if there is evidence of pathologic neutrophil depression.
Clinical experience in the concurrent administration of ECT and antidepressant drugs is limited. Thus, if such treatment is essential, the possibility of increased risk relative to benefits should be considered. This drug should be discontinued as soon as possible prior to elective surgery because of possible cardiovascular effects.
Hypertensive episodes have been observed during surgery in patients taking desipramine hydrochloride.
🆘 Overdosage ▾
OVERDOSAGE Deaths may occur from overdosage with this class of drugs. Overdose of desipramine has resulted in a higher death rate compared to overdoses of other tricyclic antidepressants. Multiple drug ingestion (including alcohol) is common in deliberate tricyclic antidepressant overdose.
As the management is complex and changing, it is recommended that the physician contact a poison control center for current information on treatment. Signs and symptoms of toxicity develop rapidly after tricyclic antidepressant overdose; therefore, hospital monitoring is required as soon as possible. There is no specific antidote for desipramine overdosage.
Oral LD 50 The oral LD 50 of desipramine is 290 mg/kg in male mice and 320 mg/kg in female rats. Manifestations of Overdosage Critical manifestations of overdose include: cardiac dysrhythmias, severe hypotension, convulsions, and CNS depression, including coma. Changes in the electrocardiogram, particularly in QRS axis or width, are clinically significant indicators of tricyclic antidepressant toxicity.
Early changes in the QRS complex include a widening of the terminal 40 msec with a rightward axis in the frontal plane, recognized by the presence of a terminal S wave in Lead 1 and AVL and an R wave in AVR. Other signs of overdose may include: confusion, disturbed concentration, transient visual hallucinations, dilated pupils, agitation, hyperactive reflexes, stupor, drowsiness, muscle rigidity, vomiting, hypothermia, hyperpyrexia, or any of the symptoms listed under ADVERSE REACTIONS. Management Aggressive supportive care and serum alkalinization are the mainstays of therapy.
General. Obtain an ECG and immediately initiate cardiac monitoring. Protect the patient’s airway, establish an intravenous line, and initiate gastric decontamination.
A minimum of 6 hours of observation with cardiac monitoring and observation for signs of CNS or respiratory depression, hypotension, cardiac dysrhythmias and/or conduction blocks, and seizures is necessary. If signs of toxicity occur at any time during this period, extended monitoring is required. Follow ECG, renal function, CPK, and arterial blood gases as clinically indicated.
There are case reports of patients succumbing to fatal dysrhythmias late after overdose; these patients had clinical evidence of significant poisoning prior to death, and most received inadequate gastrointestinal decontamination. Monitoring of plasma drug levels should not guide management of the patient. Gastrointestinal Decontamination.
Emesis is contraindicated. Activated charcoal should be administered to patients who present early after an overdose. Cardiovascular.
A maximal limb-lead QRS duration widening to greater than 100 msec is a significant indicator of toxicity, specifically for the risk of seizures and, eventually, cardiac dysrhythmias. Serum alkalinization with intravenous sodium bicarbonate and hyperventilation (as needed) should be instituted in patients manifesting significant toxicity such as QRS widening. Dysrhythmias despite adequate alkalemia may respond to overdrive pacing, beta-agonist infusions, and magnesium therapy.
Type 1A and 1C antiarrhythmics are generally contraindicated (e.g., quinidine, disopyramide, and procainamide). CNS. In patients with CNS depression, early intubation is advised because of the potential for abrupt deterioration.
Seizures should be controlled with benzodiazepines. If these are ineffective or seizures recur, other anticonvulsants (e.g., phenobarbital, propofol) may be used. Psychiatric Follow-up.
Since overdosage is often deliberate, patients may attempt suicide by other means during the recovery phase. Psychiatric referral may be appropriate. Pediatric Management.
The principles of management of child and adult overdosages are similar. It is strongly recommended that the physician contact the local poison control center for specific pediatric treatment.
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Mechanism of Action Available evidence suggests that many depressions have a biochemical basis in the form of a relative deficiency of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and serotonin. Norepinephrine deficiency may be associated with relatively low urinary 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl glycol (MHPG) levels, while serotonin deficiencies may be associated with low spinal fluid levels of 5hydroxyindoleacetic acid. While the precise mechanism of action of the tricyclic antidepressants is unknown, a leading theory suggests that they restore normal levels of neurotransmitters by blocking the re-uptake of these substances from the synapse in the central nervous system.
Evidence indicates that the secondary amine tricyclic antidepressants, including desipramine hydrochloride tablets, may have greater activity in blocking the re-uptake of norepinephrine. Tertiary amine tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, may have greater effect on serotonin re-uptake. Desipramine hydrochloride tablet is not a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) and does not act primarily as a central nervous system stimulant.
It has been found in some studies to have a more rapid onset of action than imipramine. Earliest therapeutic effects may occasionally be seen in 2 to 5 days, but full treatment benefit usually requires 2 to 3 weeks to obtain. Metabolism Tricyclic antidepressants, such as desipramine hydrochloride, are rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
Tricyclic antidepressants or their metabolites are to some extent excreted through the gastric mucosa and reabsorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Desipramine is metabolized in the liver, and approximately 70% is excreted in the urine. The rate of metabolism of tricyclic antidepressants varies widely from individual to individual, chiefly on a genetically determined basis.
Up to a 36-fold difference in plasma level may be noted among individuals taking the same oral dose of desipramine. The ratio of 2-hydroxydesipramine to desipramine may be increased in the elderly, most likely due to decreased renal elimination with aging. Certain drugs, particularly the psychostimulants and the phenothiazines, increase plasma levels of concomitantly administered tricyclic antidepressants through competition for the same metabolic enzyme systems.
Concurrent administration of cimetidine and tricyclic antidepressants can produce clinically significant increases in the plasma concentrations of the tricyclic antidepressants. Conversely, decreases in plasma levels of the tricyclic antidepressants have been reported upon discontinuation of cimetidine, which may result in the loss of the therapeutic efficacy of the tricyclic antidepressant. Other substances, particularly barbiturates and alcohol, induce liver enzyme activity and thereby reduce tricyclic antidepressant plasma levels.
Similar effects have been reported with tobacco smoke. Research on the relationship of plasma level to therapeutic response with the tricyclic antidepressants has produced conflicting results. While some studies report no correlation, many studies cite therapeutic levels for most tricyclics in the range of 50 to 300 nanograms per milliliter.
The therapeutic range is different for each tricyclic antidepressant. For desipramine, an optimal range of therapeutic plasma levels has not been established.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
HOW SUPPLIED Desipramine hydrochloride tablets USP, 10 mg are blue, round, biconvex film-coated tablets debossed with “L” on one side and “01”on other side. They are supplied as follows: NDC 62332-315-30 bottle of 30 tablets with child-resistant closure NDC 62332-315-31 bottle of 100 tablets with child-resistant closure NDC 62332-315-91 bottle of 1000 tablets Desipramine hydrochloride tablets USP, 25 mg are yellow, round, biconvex film-coated tablets debossed with “L” on one side and “02” on other side. They are supplied as follows: NDC 62332-316-30 bottle of 30 tablets with child-resistant closure NDC 62332-316-31 bottle of 100 tablets with child-resistant closure NDC 62332-316-91 bottle of 1000 tablets Desipramine hydrochloride tablets USP, 50 mg are green, round, biconvex film-coated tablets debossed with “L” on one side and “03”on other side.
They are supplied as follows: NDC 62332-317-30 bottle of 30 tablets with child-resistant closure NDC 62332-317-31 bottle of 100 tablets with child-resistant closure NDC 62332-317-91 bottle of 1000 tablets Desipramine hydrochloride tablets USP, 75 mg are orange, round, biconvex film-coated tablets debossed with “566” on one side plain on other side. They are supplied as follows: NDC 62332-318-30 bottle of 30 tablets with child-resistant closure NDC 62332-318-31 bottle of 100 tablets with child-resistant closure NDC 62332-318-91 bottle of 1000 tablets Desipramine hydrochloride tablets USP, 100 mg are peach, round, biconvex film-coated tablets debossed with “567” on one side and plain on other side.
They are supplied as follows: NDC 62332-319-30 bottle of 30 tablets with child-resistant closure NDC 62332-319-31 bottle of 100 tablets with child-resistant closure NDC 62332-319-91 bottle of 1000 tablets Desipramine hydrochloride tablets USP, 150 mg are white, round, biconvex film-coated tablets debossed with “568” on one side and plain on other side. They are supplied as follows: NDC 62332-320-30 bottle of 30 tablets with child-resistant closure NDC 62332-320-50 bottle of 50 tablets with child-resistant closure NDC 62332-320-31 bottle of 100 tablets with child-resistant closure NDC 62332-320-91 bottle of 1000 tablets Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Dispense in a tight container. Protect from excessive heat. Rx Only Manufactured by: Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited (Formulation Division), Panelav 389350, Gujarat, India Manufactured for: Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Bedminster, NJ 07921, USA Revised: 07/2025
📋 Description ▾
DESCRIPTION Desipramine hydrochloride, USP is an antidepressant drug of the tricyclic type, and is chemically: 5H-Dibenz [bƒ] azepine-5-propanamine, 10, 11-dihydro-N-methyl-, monohydrochloride. Each desipramine hydrochloride tablet, USP contains 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, or 150 mg of desipramine hydrochloride, USP for oral administration. Inactive Ingredients The following inactive ingredients are contained in all dosage strengths: citric acid monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol 6000 (only 150 mg), polyethylene glycol 8000 (10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg and 100 mg), talc and titanium dioxide.
10 mg tablet also contains FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake and iron oxide yellow. 25 mg tablet also contains D&C Yellow No.
10 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake and FD&C Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake.
50 mg tablet also contains D&C Yellow No. 10 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Blue No.1 Aluminum Lake, and FD&C Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake.
75 mg tablet also contains FD&C Red No. 40 Aluminum Lake and FD&C Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake.
100 mg tablet also contains D&C Yellow No. 10 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake and FD&C Yellow No.
6 Aluminum Lake. desipramine-structure
💬 Information for Patients ▾
Information for Patients Prescribers or other health professionals should inform patients, their families, and their caregivers about the benefits and risks associated with treatment with desipramine hydrochloride tablets and should counsel them in its appropriate use. A patient Medication Guide about “Antidepressant Medicines, Depression and other Serious Mental Illnesses, and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions” is available for desipramine hydrochloride tablets. The prescriber or health professional should instruct patients, their families, and their caregivers to read the Medication Guide and should assist them in understanding its contents.
Patients should be given the opportunity to discuss the contents of the Medication Guide and to obtain answers to any questions they may have. The complete text of the Medication Guide is reprinted at the end of this document. Patients should be advised of the following issues and asked to alert their prescriber if these occur while taking desipramine hydrochloride tablets.
Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk : Patients, their families, and their caregivers should be encouraged to be alert to the emergence of anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, akathisia (psychomotor restlessness), hypomania, mania, other unusual changes in behavior, worsening of depression, and suicidal ideation, especially early during antidepressant treatment and when the dose is adjusted up or down. Families and caregivers of patients should be advised to observe for the emergence of such symptoms on a day-to-day basis, since changes may be abrupt.
Such symptoms should be reported to the patient’s prescriber or health professional, especially if they are severe, abrupt in onset, or were not part of the patient's presenting symptoms. Symptoms such as these may be associated with an increased risk for suicidal thinking and behavior and indicate a need for very close monitoring and possibly changes in the medication. Patients should be advised that taking desipramine hydrochloride tablets can cause mild pupillary dilation, which in susceptible individuals, can lead to an episode of angle closure glaucoma.
Pre-existing glaucoma is almost always open-angle glaucoma because angle closure glaucoma, when diagnosed, can be treated definitively with iridectomy. Open-angle glaucoma is not a risk factor for angle closure glaucoma. Patients may wish to be examined to determine whether they are susceptible to angle closure, and have a prophylactic procedure (e.g., iridectomy), if they are susceptible.
💬 Medication Guide ▾
Medication Guide Desipramine Hydrochloride ( des-IP-ra-meen HYE-droe-KLOR-ide) Tablets, USP Antidepressant Medicines, Depression and other Serious Mental Illnesses, and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions Read the Medication Guide that comes with your or your family member’s, antidepressant medicine. This Medication Guide is only about the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions with antidepressant medicines. Talk to your or your family member’s, healthcare provider about: all risks and benefits of treatment with antidepressant medicines all treatment choices for depression or other serious mental illness What is the most important information I should know about antidepressant medicines, depression and other serious mental illnesses, and suicidal thoughts or actions?
Antidepressant medicines may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults within the first few months of treatment. Depression and other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts and actions. Some people may have a particularly high risk of having suicidal thoughts or actions.
These include people who have (or have a family history of) bipolar illness (also called manic-depressive illness) or suicidal thoughts or actions. How can I watch for and try to prevent suicidal thoughts and actions in myself or a family member? Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings.
This is very important when an antidepressant medicine is started or when the dose is changed. Call the healthcare provider right away to report new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings. Keep all follow-up visits with the healthcare provider as scheduled.
Call the healthcare provider between visits as needed, especially if you have concerns about symptoms. Who should not take desipramine hydrochloride tablets? You should not take desipramine hydrochloride tablets if you take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).
Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if you take an MAOI, including the antibiotic linezolid. Do not take an MAOI within 2 weeks of stopping desipramine hydrochloride tablets unless directed to do so by your physician. Do not start desipramine hydrochloride tablets if you stopped taking an MAOI in the last 2 weeks unless directed to do so by your physician.
Call a healthcare provider right away if you or your family member has any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you: thoughts about suicide or dying attempts to commit suicide ·new or worse depression ·new or worse anxiety feeling very agitated or restless panic attacks trouble sleeping (insomnia) ·new or worse irritability acting aggressive, being angry, or violent acting on dangerous impulses an extreme increase in activity and talking (mania) other unusual changes in behavior or mood Low salt (sodium) levels in the blood.
Elderly people may be at greater risk for this. Symptoms may include: headache weakness or feeling unsteady confusion, problems concentrating or thinking or memory problems Visual Problems eye pain changes in vision swelling or redness in or around the eye Only some people are at risk for these problems. You may want to undergo an eye examination to see if you are at risk and receive preventative treatment if you are.
What else do I need to know about antidepressant medicines? Never stop an antidepressant medicine without first talking to a healthcare provider. Stopping an antidepressant medicine suddenly can cause other symptoms.
Antidepressants are medicines used to treat depression and other illnesses. It is important to discuss all the risks of treating depression and also the risks of not treating it. Patients and their families or other caregivers should discuss all treatment choices with the healthcare provider, not just the use of antidepressants.
Antidepressant medicines have other side effects. Talk to the hea…