What it means
A tricyclic antidepressant with strong antihistamine effects. Higher doses treat depression and anxiety; low-dose tablets (3 or 6 mg) treat trouble staying asleep; a cream relieves itching from eczema. At antidepressant doses it causes drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention and dizziness on standing.
For the nurse
Give it at bedtime. Assess for suicidal thoughts, especially at the start. The Beers Criteria advise older adults to avoid doses above 6 mg a day. Teach that the cream can also cause drowsiness.
At a glance
| Drug class | antidepressant (tricyclic); hypnotic at low dose |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Silenor (low-dose tablet); Zonalon, Prudoxin (cream) |
| Also written | Silenor, Zonalon, Prudoxin |
Related terms
sedative-hypnotic
A drug that calms a person (sedative) or helps them fall asleep (hypnotic); the same drug can do either, depending on the dose.
imipramine
A tricyclic antidepressant drug, also used for bedwetting in children.