Desipramine Hydrochloride Suppliers & Bulk Manufacturers

Available Forms: Tablets

Available Strengths: 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg

Reference Brands: Norpramin (USA), Pertofrane(EU/UK)

Category: Antipsychotropic Drugs

Desipramine hydrochloride is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that increases the levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain to improve mood and relieve depressive symptoms. It’s used to treat major depressive disorder and sometimes neuropathic pain or ADHD. It should be taken under medical supervision as it can cause side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, and heart rhythm changes.

Product Description:

Desipramine is a secondary amine tricyclic and the active metabolite of imipramine. It is the most selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor among the tricyclics, with little effect on serotonin. That selectivity gives it the cleanest side-effect profile of the class: less sedation, less weight gain and fewer anticholinergic effects than amitriptyline or imipramine, which makes it more tolerable for patients who need a tricyclic.

It is used for major depression, and off label for neuropathic pain, where the noradrenergic action strengthens the descending pathways that suppress pain signals, and for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is activating rather than sedating, so it is taken in the morning. The tricyclic cautions still apply: cardiac conduction effects, danger in overdose, lowered seizure threshold, and interaction with MAO inhibitors. It is metabolised by CYP2D6, so exposure varies widely between individuals and rises sharply with fluoxetine or paroxetine; blood level measurement is useful when response is poor.

Sourcing notes. Off patent with a narrow supplier base, registered mainly in the US and a few European markets, and subject to shortages. Nortriptyline is the more widely available secondary amine alternative in most markets.