desmethylimipramine

drug

Also known as: desipramine

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

Desipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant drug, meaning it has a molecular structure composed of three carbon rings. It was first used in medicine in 1965.1

Desipramine works by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin. This mechanism helps to restore chemical balances that are thought to be related to depression. Tricyclic antidepressants, including desipramine, were among the first drugs developed to treat depression and bed-wetting. While effective, they can have various side effects, such as dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation.23

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

antidepressant
include imipramine, amitriptyline, desipramine, nortriptyline, and a number of other compounds. These drugs relieve symptoms in a high proportion (more than 70 percent) of depressed patients. As with the MAOIs, the antidepressant action of tricyclic drugs may not become apparent until two to four weeks after treatment begins.
Read More
include imipramine, amitriptyline, desipramine, nortriptyline, and a number of other compounds. These drugs relieve symptoms in a high proportion (more than 70 percent) of depressed patients. As with the MAOIs, the antidepressant action of tricyclic drugs may not become apparent until two to four weeks after treatment begins.
Read More

panic disorder
such as imipramine and desipramine, are effective treatments for panic disorder because they increase the concentrations of neurotransmitters at nerve terminals, where the chemicals exert their actions. These agents may also provide effective relief of associated depressive symptoms. Other antidepressants, including benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and
Read More
such as imipramine and desipramine, are effective treatments for panic disorder because they increase the concentrations of neurotransmitters at nerve terminals, where the chemicals exert their actions. These agents may also provide effective relief of associated depressive symptoms. Other antidepressants, including benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and
Read More