Desipramine is the generic name for a tricyclic antidespressant drug.
This is one of the "old" antidepresants, like Elavil (trade name), and not
one of the new ones like Prozac ( or Zoloft, Luvox, Paxil, Serzone) which
are SSRI (selective seratonin re-uptake inhibitors.
Antidespressant drugs of the tricyclic nature have long been used as
adjuncts to other medications used for pain control (Elavil is the most
commonly used). These drugs (tricylcics) have "numerous" side effects which
is why the SSRIs are more popular. The former have such interesting
complications as lethargy, cardiovascular effeccts, urinary retention,
blurred vision and weight gain but to name a few. The SSRIs are
surprisingly limited in side effects with the rather significant exception
of sexual dysfuntion ( disinterst and delayed orgasm). The SSRIs are also
almost impossible to overdose.
Obviously depression and pain are significant components of TM, no
matter what the severity. Of course, sometimes drugs are prescribed for
reasons other than the "standard". My advise would be to ask why a
particular drug is being prescribed -- if your physician doesn't know --run
--or wheel like hell. "Just to see if something different works" is not a
bad answer --especially if a bunch of other things have already been tried
with no success.
End of sermonn for today ;-)
bryan