Article: Desipramine

Desipramine
Systematic (IUPAC) name
?
Identifiers
CAS number	50-47-5
ATC code	N06AA01
PubChem	2995
DrugBank	APRD00022
Chemical data
Formula	C18H22N2
Mol. weight	266.381
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	73-92%
Metabolism	Hepatic
Half life	21-23 hours
Excretion	Renal
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	?
Legal status	Rx only
Routes	oral

Desipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine. It is sold under the brand names Norpramin® and Pertofrane®. It is used to treat depression, but not considered a first line treatment since the introduction of SSRI antidepressants. Desipramine is an active metabolite of imipramine.

Along with other tricyclics, desipramine has found use in treating neuropathic pain. The mechanism of action seems to involve the activation, through norepinephrine reuptake inhibition, of descending pathways in the spinal cord that block pain signals from ascending to the brain. Desipramine is one of the most potent and selective medications in this respect.

Some evidence suggests that desipramine may help with ADD.

See also

• antidepressant
• tricyclic antidepressant