Raw research findings for this medication. Mostly single studies, not curated or confirmed robust.
Imipramine is one of the first tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). It raises the levels of noradrenaline and serotonin between nerve cells. It is used for depression and, in children, for bedwetting. It is sold as Tofranil, among other names.
CYP2C19 turns imipramine into desipramine, which is also an antidepressant, and CYP2D6 breaks both down further. People with little or no CYP2D6 activity can build up high levels of both, with more side effects; people with extra CYP2D6 copies clear them fast. CYP2C19 variants change the balance between imipramine and desipramine. CPIC (for the tricyclics as a group) and DPWG have published guidelines on CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 for imipramine, and the US FDA lists an effect on drug levels.
Clinical guidelines that name a gene for Imipramine. They sort people into groups by the gene copies they carry.
DPWG guideline: CYP2D6. CYP2D6 activity score 0 to 6 or more. 2026.
Every published finding on gene variants and Imipramine. Upload your DNA file to see which of these rows apply to you.
PharmGKB weighs all studies of a variant and rates how strong the evidence is, from 1A (strongest) to 4.
CYP2D6 CYP2D6*1, CYP2D6*3, CYP2D6*4, CYP2D6*5: Level 1A · replicated. Metabolism/PK: Major Depressive Disorder, Mental Disorders. 9.
CYP2C19 CYP2C19*1, CYP2C19*2, CYP2C19*3, CYP2C19*17: Level 1A · replicated. Metabolism/PK: Depressive Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder. 6.
CYP2D6 CYP2D6*1, CYP2D6*1xN, CYP2D6*2xN, CYP2D6*4, CYP2D6*5: Level 1A · replicated. Dosage: Depressive Disorder. 3.
CYP2D6 CYP2D6*1, CYP2D6*3, CYP2D6*4, CYP2D6*5, CYP2D6*6: Level 1A · replicated. Toxicity: Depressive Disorder. 3.
Studies of how quickly the body processes this medication.
Studies of how well it worked in people carrying a variant.
Studies of how much of the drug people needed or tolerated.
Studies of side effects in people carrying a variant.
Study findings and evidence levels: PharmGKB (CC BY-SA 4.0). Guidelines: CPIC and DPWG, as bundled in PharmCAT. Most studies were done mainly in people of European ancestry.
More drugs from the same category
Not a prescribing recommendation. This page is educational information about pharmacogenomic research and clinical guidelines - it is not medical or dosing advice, and not a prediction of how any medication will work for you. Never start, stop, or change a medication or dose based on it; talk to your doctor or pharmacist, who can order clinical-grade testing if appropriate.
Content updated September 2026.
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