Imipramine

There is no evidence of the safety of the drug in human pregnancy. There have been isolated reports of a possible connection between the use of tricyclic antidepressants and adverse effects (developmental disorders) on the foetus. Treatment with imipramine should be avoided during pregnancy, unless the anticipated benefits justify the potential risk to the foetus.

Neonates whose mothers had taken imipramine up until delivery have developed dyspnoea, lethargy, colic, irritability, hypotension or hypertension, tremor or spasms, during the first few hours or days. If possible, imipramine should be gradually withdrawn at least 7 weeks before the calculated date of confinement.

As imipramine is excreted in breast milk, it should not be administered to nursing mothers unless considered essential when the mother should be advised to cease breast feeding.

Patients should be warned:

• That blurred vision, drowsiness and other CNS symptoms may occur.
• Against possible hazards such as driving a car, operating machinery or doing anything which may require alertness or quick actions.
• That alcohol or other drugs may potentiate these effects.