@mlpbob It sounds like your prescribing physician is starting you on a low dose. Dry mouth and constipation are the side effects I'd expect from this kind of medication that is anticholinergic.

Here are the side effects of desipramine and other similar medications which are called "tricyclic antidepressants". Scroll to the bottom of the page and you will see that the side effects you describe are on this list.

-- Tricyclic Antidepressants Cleveland Clinic:

-- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25146-tricyclic-antidepressants

Have you talked with your prescribing physician about your concerns?