Desipramine
Desipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) used primarily to treat major depressive disorder. It works by increasing levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly norepinephrine, which helps improve mood and emotional state.
Desipramine is an antidepressant that increases norepinephrine levels to help treat depression and related conditions.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N06AA01
- RxNorm
- 3247
- Generic
- Desipramine
- Class
- atc-n06
- Brands
- Norpramin
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Desipramine is primarily prescribed for major depressive disorder. It may also be used for neuropathic pain conditions, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and migraine prevention in certain cases.
Desipramine inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine (and to a lesser extent serotonin) at nerve endings in the brain, increasing the availability of these neurotransmitters to enhance mood and reduce depressive symptoms.
Desipramine may cause drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, or blurred vision. It can interact with other medications and is not recommended for use in children or adolescents with depression due to potential side effects. Patients should be monitored closely for worsening depression or suicidal thoughts, especially when starting treatment.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy