Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Imipramine as follows:
- Imipramine can also induce retention of urine in the bladder and difficulty with emptying the bladder and so, must be avoided/administered with caution in individuals with history of difficulty passing urine. Individuals with history of retention of urine and frequent urinary tract infections must be aware of this side-effect, as imipramine can exacerbate this condition significantly. Observing compliance with proper hydration measures, compliance with daily fluid intake recommendations, timed voiding, hygienic practices, and other UTI prevention measures can help reduce the risk of urinary retention and prevent development of any UTIs, secondary to imipramine intake.
- Imipramine use can sometimes increase the risk for deterioration and worsening of clinical symptoms of mood disorders. Continue taking imipramine, as recommended, even if your mood feels better and discontinuing the medication abruptly, without your physician’s recommendation, can result in disruption of chemical balance in the brain, resulting in worsening of mood disorder and severe withdrawal symptoms. Individuals can present with complaints such as, feeling low, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, gross appetite changes, impulsiveness, agitation, aggression, hallucinations, mania, and suicidal thoughts. Report any deterioration of symptoms of mood disorder immediately to your physician, so that, a dose change or change in plan of care could be considered.
- Observe compliance with all physician visits and periodical lab draws ordered, while taking imipramine, for an update on improvement/deterioration with symptoms of mood disorder and side-effects developed. This will also allow your physician to make appropriate changes in your plan of care, as needed.
