Ask a doctor on the topic of Neurology

Opipramol intake

May 10, 2012 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Michael Schröter

Dear Sir or Madam,

Due to a moderate depression and anxiety disorder, I have been taking Opipramol 100mg for about 4 weeks in the following dosage: half in the morning and half at noon.

After 14 days, I noticed a significant improvement. The anxieties disappeared and I became more joyful again. When I noticed that the effect was waning and my anxieties were returning, I took an additional half tablet last Saturday evening (05.05.). The next day, I struggled with strong dizziness and headache which still persists until today (Thursday). Is there a connection with the evening half tablet? I would like to mention that I have since omitted the evening tablet.

Of course, I worried about this the entire weekend and the worst assumptions came to mind (brain tumor...). Unfortunately, my psychologist could not help me with this issue. Despite my anxiety disorder, I do not imagine the dizziness, but it may also be intensified by it. My neck is also very tense and painful.

Should I continue taking the Opipramol in the usual dosage 1/2 - 1/2 - 0, or should I stop until the dizziness subsides? Is there even a connection? It wouldn't worry me if this condition hadn't lasted for 5 days already.

A comprehensive blood test (without abnormalities) was also done last week.

Thank you for your response.

Dr. med. Michael Schröter

Good evening,

A typical side effect of Omipramol is dizziness and headache to varying degrees. This may well have been triggered by the additional tablet. Therefore, do not worry, you can rule out a brain tumor. The cause of the symptoms is clear. The tension in the neck, etc. can be explained by your basic tension or anxiety. Please continue to take the medication as usual in the morning and evening, and if you do decide to stop, do so gradually. However, please do so only after consulting with your therapist. If the anxiety disorders continue, the medication can be increased after adaptation. But please also consult with your therapist in this case. So, do not worry, dizziness is a side effect, and so is the headache.

Wishing you all the best,

Dr. M. Schröter