Published on 24 November 2021

Role of Imipramine in the Treatment of Bedwetting?

Wellbutrin (Bupropion) is-imipramine-for-bedwetting
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Bedwetting is a condition that leads to involuntary urination. Children who should stay dry at a certain age suffer from this problem. You might have seen many scenarios wherein the child woke up wet and embarrassed. It's a normal child developmental process, so that you can cure it.

Bedwetting can be considered standard until age 7, but even after the child goes through the same scenario, you should take proper care of your child. The bladder starts to control at a certain age. If it doesn't, then the child might go through it.

Medication is a solution you can go with, such as Imipramine. But before that, you should handle this situation patiently and understand the problem clearly.

What Is Imipramine?

Imipramine is a medication from the tricyclic antidepressant class primarily sold under the brand Tofranil. Mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder, treat bedwetting, and sleep issues are treated with Imipramine. Tofranil is an FDA-approved medication for children above the age of 6. 

How Does Imipramine Works?

It works by increasing and maintaining the naturally occurring substances in the brain, ensuring mental stability. This medication relaxes the bladders, disrupting the flow and not leading to bedwetting.

It is effective for enuresis and bedwetting, as it acts through anticholinergic action on the bladder. This medication takes about 4 to 6 weeks to start its working process.

Frequently asked questions

If you take medicine at night, it will help the person from stopping the bedwetting condition.
The time may differ as per the different individuals. On average, it can take up to one or two weeks.
Bedwetting is expected till the age of 5. If it still continues, you should consult a doctor for the right solution.

Imipramine For The Treatment Of Bedwetting

Imipramine is a drug used as an antidepressant; it also works for bedwetting as an off-label use. The way Imipramine might work on bedwetting is by altering the kid's sleep and waking cycle, lowering the amount of time a youngster can hold their bladder, or reducing the amount of urine made in the body. 

Usually, Imipramine is not effective in children as compared to adults. Older children have also benefitted from this drug. Bedwetting issues are likely to reoccur if the drug's consumption is stopped.  

How To Take Imipramine?

It is essential to know about adequately consuming a drug. The dosage of imipramine depends on the following aspects:

Reminder:

  • Before consuming medication, check the label or the leaflet of the drug.
  • You can consume this medicine with or without food, but in the case of nausea, take this drug with food.
  • You can take the capsule directly or dismantle the capsule and inject the sprinkles.
  • Swallow the medication directly, and do not chew it.

Dosage Of Imipramine

You must know the dosing pattern whenever you consume any medication to cure a condition. You should not go beyond the prescribed or lower the prescription given. If you do not follow, then the results might also change. 

Adult Dosage (18 and older):

  • They should not use this drug for bedwetting

Child Dosage (12-17 years)

  • Initial Dosage: 25mg (1 hour prior to sleep)
  • Maximum Dosage: 75mg (If the initial dosage didn’t work on you)

Child Dosage (6-11 years)

  • Initial Dosage: 25mg (1 hour prior to sleep)
  • Maximum Dosage: 50mg (If the initial dosage didn’t work on you)

Child Dosage (0-5 years)

  • Consuming Imipramine would not be recommended

The dosage should be taken in the recommended amount and not stopped without consulting the doctor, or it can lead to withdrawal symptoms. 

Precautions Of Imipramine

A person needs to get all the necessary information about the medicine prior to consuming it. Precautions are indeed needed to be taken because they will prevent you from unnecessary side effects. Know the precautions that you have to take:

  • In the case of pregnancy, imipramine is safe for consumption; however, consult the doctor before taking this medication.
  • Please do not use this medication for breastfeeding, as it can affect the child.
  • Do not take this medication if you have used MAO recently or within 14 days.
  • Used SSRI-related antidepressants recently
  • Allergic to antidepressants
  • If you have suffered a heart attack lately
  • Diagnosed with bipolar disorder
  • Suffer from UTI
  • If suffering from any kidney-related issues.
  • This drug is not safe for consumption in the case of children below the age of 18 for depression.
  • This drug is not safe for children under the age of 6 bedwetting.

The few critical warnings one must remember before taking this medication a mentioned. Also, these are important precautions for your well-being.

Side Effects

Not all medications positively affect your health; some might even go through negative effects. You should be following the precautions not to get affected by any side effects. This medication varies from common to adverse side effects, which are as follows:

Common Side Effects

Adverse Side Effects

  • Nausea vomiting
  • Increasing the enuresis
  • Indigestion or acid reflux
  • Hallucination or euphoria
  • Sweating and palpitation
  • Memory impairment
  • Allergic reaction
  • Fatigue
  • Breathlessness
  • Tremors
  • Doubled vision

If you deal with any of the abovementioned issues, contact the doctor or the nearby helpline number as quickly as possible. Common side effects symptoms do not last for a long time and fade away in about 3 to 4 days. In contrast, you must get help for severe side effects. 

Important Information About Imipramine

It is essential to consider all the information given below. This will help you in almost all cases after you have been prescribed the Imipramine medication.

General Information

  • You can crush or cut the medicine
  • You should consume the medicine 1 hour before you go to bed
  • You should read the prescription well before taking the medicine

Storing Imipramine

  • You should safely store the medicine between the temperature 20 degrees to 25 degrees Celsius
  • The medicine should not be exposed to light
  • Keep the medicine away from moisture areas

Refilling the medicine

  • You can refill your medicine as per the doctor's suggestion. The general practitioner will write all the necessary refilling o the medicine on the prescription itself.

While Travelling

  • It is essential to carry the prescription if you are traveling via plane
  • Medicines cant be harmed when you put the medicine in checking X-ray machines
  • Keep the medicine in a hand luggage
  • Do not keep the medicines in your car glove compartment. 

Bottom Line From Practical Anxiety Solutions

As far the Imipramine medicine is concerned, it is effective for people suffering from bedwetting issues. It is advisable for specific age groups, not for all. Precautions should be taken while taking medicine. As the medicine's main purpose is depression, you must be more cautious. The medicine should be taken only after the doctor's advice.Â