Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking imipramine as follows:
- Imipramine intake can induce some dizziness and make one drowsy. Starting the medication at a low dose, watching for the response, and gradually changing the dose, to help optimum control of your symptoms, can contribute to controlling/reducing the risk for drowsiness and dizziness due to the medication. If the dizziness becomes bothersome, report it to your physician and other health care personnel, for any change in plan of care to be considered. Stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until you are used to the side effects caused by imipramine intake.
- Do not take imipramine with alcohol or opioid pain medications, such as, hydrocodone and codeine, as these products can add to the dizziness and confusion caused by imipramine, and contribute to falls and accidents. A number of OTC cough medications and antihistamines, muscle relaxant medications, and antianxiety medications, can potentiate the confusion caused by imipramine and so, must be avoided taking along with imipramine.
- Imipramine intake can increase the risk for skin rash and photosensitivity, in individuals exposed to sunlight. Individuals taking imipramine, especially those with history of photosensitivity, should avoid natural bright lights and tanning booths. Using sunscreens and protective clothing, when getting out in the sun, can help prevent any photosensitive responses from developing. Report any photosensitive responses to your physician for any appropriate measures to be adopted.
