Opipramol

What is Opipramol?

Opipramol is an antidepressant drug used to prevent and treat mental illnesses and anxiety disorders b y restoring chemical balance to the brain.

Fig.1-Opipramol Structure

What are the uses of this medicine?

Opipramol is used to treat Generalized anxiety disorders (GAD) and Somatoform disorders.

How does this medicine work?

Opipramol works as a high-affinity antagonist against the histamine H1 receptor and as a low-affinity antagonist against the dopamine D2, serotonin 5-HT2, and α1-adrenergic receptors.

Who Should Not Use this medicine?

Avoid using this medication if:

• drink alcohol
• you have hepatic and renal impairments
• you have seizure related problems
• you have acute urinary retention
• Untreated narrow-angle glaucoma
• Acute delirium
• Paralytic ileum
• Prostrate hypertrophy with residual urinary retention.

Is this medicine FDA approved?

This medicine is not FDA approved in the US, although it is commonly used in Europe.

How should this medicine be used?

Follow the dosage instructions given by your physician, and take after meals.

What are the dosage forms and brand names of this medicine?

Dosage for Opipramol varies between patients, and needs to be determined by your physician based on your history. The average dose in adults for depression is about 50-300 mg per day.

Brand name of Opipramol is Insidon in Turkey, Austria, Kuwait, and Switzerland.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Side effects may include, but not limited to:

• Fatigue
• Nasal Congestion
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Weight gain
• Constipation
• Skin rash
• Decreased blood pressure

Severe side effects (rare) include:

• Tremor
• Tachycardia
• Palpitations
• Ejaculation
• Impotence
• Orthostatic Hypotension

What special precautions should I follow?

Avoid drinking alcohol while using Opipramol.

Inform your doctor of all other medications you are taking.

What to do in case of emergency/overdose?

• In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline of your country. In the United States, call 1-800-222-1222.

• Overdose related information is also available online at poisonhelp.org/help.
• In the event that the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services. In the United States, call 911.

Can this medicine be used in pregnancy?

Safety and efficacy of this medication has not been established in pregnant women. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant and thinking about taking Opipramol. Do not take this medication while breastfeeding because this medication can be transferred through blood.

Can this medicine be used in children?

Safety and efficacy of this medication has not been established in children.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Keep this medication in its original packaging and store in a cool dry place. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

• Dailymed label info on Opipramol
• FDA Opipramol