imipramine
C2Technical/Medical
Definition
Meaning
A tricyclic antidepressant medication used primarily to treat depression and sometimes bedwetting in children.
Imipramine is a pharmaceutical agent that works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters (like serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain. It belongs to an older class of antidepressants and is also used off-label for conditions such as panic disorder and neuropathic pain.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is almost exclusively used in medical and pharmacological contexts. It refers specifically to the chemical compound and its therapeutic application. It is a proper noun for a specific drug, not a general descriptive term.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The drug is known under the same generic name in both regions.
Connotations
Neutral, clinical. Conveys a sense of established, though somewhat older, psychiatric treatment.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, confined to professional healthcare discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The psychiatrist prescribed {PATIENT} imipramine.{CONDITION} is managed with imipramine.The starting dose of imipramine is {NUMBER} mg.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Academic
Common in medical textbooks, pharmacology papers, and psychiatric journals discussing treatment modalities for major depressive disorder.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation except when a patient discusses their specific medication with a doctor or pharmacist.
Technical
The primary context. Used in patient charts, prescription notes, clinical trials, and discussions among healthcare professionals about psychopharmacology.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My doctor gave me a new medicine called imipramine.
- Imipramine, while effective, can cause dry mouth and drowsiness as side effects.
- The study compared the efficacy of imipramine versus a newer SSRI in treating melancholic depression.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
IMIPramine: I Might Improve Patient's Mood. (Highlights its antidepressant function)
Conceptual Metaphor
MEDICATION IS A TOOL FOR CHEMICAL BALANCE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'импотенция' (impotence). The Russian pharmaceutical term is 'имипрамин'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'imiprimine' or 'imipramin'.
- Using it as a general term for any antidepressant.
- Incorrect stress on the first syllable (/ˈɪmɪprəmiːn/).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary clinical use of imipramine?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is less commonly a first-line treatment today due to newer antidepressants with fewer side effects, but it remains in use, especially for treatment-resistant depression or specific indications like nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting).
Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA).
Serious side effects can include irregular heart rhythm, seizures, significant drop in blood pressure upon standing, and increased risk of suicidal thoughts in some young people.
No, alcohol should be avoided as it can worsen drowsiness and dizziness and increase the risk of serious side effects.