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Home > Drug Category > Antidepressant Drugs > Tofranil and Equivalent

Tofranil Information

Tofranil (Imipramine) is used to treat depression. Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. This illness affects how you feel, think, and behave, leading to various emotional and physical problems. Personality, family history, drug and alcohol use, life events., and changes in the brain are the leading causes of depression. Tofranil is also used to treat nighttime bedwetting (enuresis) among children. Children younger than the age of 3 do not have full bladder control. Enuresis occurs when it happens in a child old enough to control their bladder. Children with enuresis are often heavy sleepers who fail to awaken at urinary urge or when their bladders are full. Tricyclic antidepressants like Tofranil work by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters like norepinephrine) in the brain to improve mood, sleep, and energy levels and restore interest in daily living. The drug works by blocking the effect of a natural substance called acetylcholine on the bladder to prevent bedwetting. It seems to relax the bladder muscles and lighten sleep. The drug only benefits the child on the night taken. Tofranil is not a cure for enuresis.

Tofranil Side Effects

The most common side effects of Tofranil may include increased blood pressure; lack of coordination; dry mouth; nausea; breast swelling (in men or women); vomiting; tingly feeling; Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects such as:
• A light-headed feeling;
• Confusion;
• Easy bruising;
• Eye pain or swelling;
• Fever;
• Seizure;
• Signs of a serious allergic reaction, e.g., abdominal cramps, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting;
• Sore throat;
• Sudden numbness or weakness

Tofranil Precautions

Do not use Tofranil if you are allergic to Imipramine, any other ingredients in this medication, or other antidepressants. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have had a recent heart attack; have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days; have heart disease; have bipolar disorder, have schizophrenia; have an overactive thyroid; have narrow-angle glaucoma; have urination problems; have kidney disease; have liver disease; are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan to become pregnant; are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Tofranil and other medicines like eliglustat; dronedarone; isocarboxazid; quinidine; sotalol; buspirone; ciprofloxacin; dobutamine; fluoxetine; nefazodone. It is not known if Tofranil will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Imipramine passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. It is not recommended to breastfeed when taking Tofranil. Do not give this medicine to children without medical advice. Tofranil is not approved for treating depression in anyone younger than 18 years old. Do not give this medicine to children younger than 6 years old to treat bedwetting. Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop or change the dose of this medicine without talking to your doctor. Take this medicine by mouth with or without food. If you have daytime drowsiness, your doctor may recommend using the drug at bedtime. Give your child Tofranil one hour before bedtime. It may take up to 3 weeks before you experience the full benefits of this medication if you are taking it for depression. Imipramine is not a cure for bedwetting. When used for an extended period in children for bedwetting, the medicine may not work well and may require a different dosing. Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.

Do I need a prescription to order Tofranil?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Tofranil.