Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking desipramine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 3 times daily. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may start you at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. This medication may make you sleepy or wakeful. Depending on how this medication affects you, your doctor may direct you to take the entire dose once daily either in the morning or at bedtime.

Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Do not take more or less medication or take it more often than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster and your risk of side effects will increase. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.

Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

This medication does not work right away. It may take 2 to 3 weeks before you experience the full benefits when this medication is used for depression.

Inform your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.