Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant indicated for the treatment of depression and to reduce childhood enuresis. TCAs are structurally similar to phenothiazines.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 4 references
Imipramine works by inhibiting the neuronal reuptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin. It binds the sodium-dependent serotonin transporter and sodium-dependent norepinephrine transporter reducing the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin by neurons. Depression has been linked to a lack of stimulation of the post-synaptic neuron by norepinephrine and serotonin. Slowing the reuptake of these neurotransmitters increases their concentration in the synaptic cleft, producing knock-on effects in protein kinase signalling which is thought to contribute to changes in neurotransmission and brain physiology which relieves symptoms of depression.
- Primary indication
- For the relief of symptoms of depression and as temporary adjunctive therapy in reducing enuresis in children aged 6 years and older.Curator reviewed · 6 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C19H24N2 · 280.4073 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 1997 · United States, 1959
- Also known as
- Imizine
- Code names
- NSC-169866 · ORG-2463
- Brand names
Resolves to
BCGWQEUPMDMJNV-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESCN(C)CCCN1C2=CC=CC=C2CCC2=CC=CC=C12What you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Imipramine, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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