About Desipramine for the Treatment of Migraines

Migraine headaches can be avoided by using any one of several medications, from triptans to combinations of acetominophen and an antihistamine. Tricyclic antidpressants such as desipramine, if taken on a daily basis, can help the migraineur avoid regular migraine attacks.

Tricyclic Antidepressant

• Desipramine falls in the tricyclic antidepressant medication classification. This medication affects certain brain chemicals, such as norepinephrine and serotonin. It is not completely clear how desipramine works on the brain, especially when it is used to prevent migraine attacks. Desipramine is primarily prescribed to treat depression symptoms, although it has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for other uses.

Off-Label Use

• For the migraineur (migraine sufferer), desipramine, taken daily, can help to prevent migraine headaches. In order for this medication to be as effective as possible, it has to be taken on a daily basis so the patient has a consistent level of the medication in his system. It will not help to reduce or end migraine pain if it is taken once a headache has started.

Medication Precautions

• When a child or teenager takes an antidepressant such as desipramine, she may experience suicidal ideation (thoughts of killing herself). Other precautions include avoiding the use of alcohol while taking this medication and not driving if the medication makes you sleepy; protecting yourself from too much exposure to the sun (the medication can cause sensitivity to sunlight). If you are diabetic, you should monitor blood sugar more closely once you start to take this medication. If you suffers a severe reaction to desipramine, you need to tell your doctor right away.

Side Effects

• These side effects are rare but should be reported: blurred vision, confusion, difficulty in speaking/swallowing, eye pain, fainting, hallucinations, loss of ability to control balance, nervousness/restlessness, mask-like facial tone, shakiness/trembling, decreased sexual activity, constipation, fast/irregular heartbeat (skipping, pounding or racing) and urination problems. These side effects are also rare: breast enlargement, secretion of milk from the breasts, hair loss, anxiety, irritability, muscle twitching, red/brown spots on the skin, buzzing or ringing in the ears, skin rash/itching, seizures, swelling of the face/tongue, sore throat and fever, yellow eyes and skin and weakness.

Other Information

• Other less serious side effects that may go away include mouth dryness, nausea, headache, increased appetite (especially for sweets), weight gain, bad taste in the mouth and weakness/tiredness. Others include increased sweating, heartburn, diarrhea, vomiting and trouble sleeping.