Tofranil

Imipramine

Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Tofranil

Tofranil is a tricyclic antidepressant medicine. It acts by increasing the activity of some chemicals in the brain which help to elevate mood.

Therapeutic Uses of Tofranil

Tofranil is used for treatment of depression. It is also used in children for treatment of bedwetting, which is a common problem among children. It can also be used in other medical conditions as your doctor determines.

Direction of use of Tofranil

Tofranil should be used as per direction of your doctor. Read the label on the medicine carefully for exact dosing instructions. Tofranil also has an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. You should read it carefully every time you get Tofranil refilled.

Tofranil is taken orally with a glass of water along with food or without food. Take Tofranil at bed time to reduce side effects like daytime drowsiness. Discuss the ways to reduce side effects of Tofranil with your doctor.

It may take 1 to 3 weeks before you notice the effect of Tofranil. Keep taking Tofranil even if you feel well, without missing a dose of it.

If You Miss a Dose of Tofranil

If you miss a dose of Tofranil you should take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose of Tofranil, you should skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. If you take 1 dose daily at bedtime, do not take the missed dose the next morning.

How to Store Tofranil

Tofranil should be stored at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store it away from heat, light and moisture in a tightly closed dark color container. Keep it out of reach of children. Do not store Tofranil in your bathroom.

More Information About Tofranil

Tofranil should not be shared with others and should be used by the patient only for whom it is prescribed. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Precautions to be Taken While Taking Tofranil

Do not use Tofranil if you have any of the medical problems listed below and consult your doctor or health care provider right away:

• If you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in Tofranil.
• If you had heart attack recently and you are recovering from it.
• If you have taken furazolidone or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) like phenelzine within the last 2 weeks or if you are presently taking astemizole, droperidol, or terfenadine.

Some medical conditions may interact with Tofranil. Inform your doctor or other health care provider if you are taking any medicine that may react with Tofranil, especially any of the following:

• If you are pregnant, planning to have a baby, or if you are breast feeding your baby.
• If you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine (OTC or over the counter medicine), herbal preparation, or dietary supplement.
• If you have allergy to any medicine, food, or ant other substance.
• If you are taking thyroid medicine or you have a history of overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), glaucoma, heart problems, kidney or liver problems, diabetes, seizures, the blood disease porphyria, or difficulty in urination.
• If you have a history of some psychiatric problems like suicidal thoughts or action, bipolar disorder, or any other mental disorders. If you are undergoing electroshocks therapy; or you are scheduled to have any surgery in near future.
• If you drink alcohol or alcohol containing beverages everyday or you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse.

Some medicines may interact with Tofranil. Inform your doctor if you are taking any medicine that may interact with Tofranil, especially any of the following:

• Anticholinergics like benztropine, carbamazepine, or sympathomimetics like phenylephrine because Tofranil may increase the risk of their side effects.
• Clonidine, guanethidine, or guanfacine, because effectiveness of these drugs may be decreased by Tofranil.
• Azole antifungals like fluconazole, phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine, cimetidine (H2 antagonist), duloxetine, flecainide, methylphenidate, mibefradil, propafenone, quinidine, or terbinafine because they may increase the risk of side effects of Tofranil.
• Astemizole, droperidol, furazolidone, MAOIs like phenelzine, pimozide, terfenadine, or tramadol because the risk of high blood pressure, serious heart problems (irregular heartbeat), or seizures may be increased.

Possible Adverse Effects of Tofranil

• Most common and less serious side effects of Tofranil are nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, excitement, impotence, nightmares, dilation of pupils, sensitivity to sunlight, sweating, tiredness, stomach upset, weakness, weight loss or gain etc. If any of these common and less serious side effects become bothersome or persistent you should consult your doctor or other health care provider.
• Get immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects of Tofranil. The serious and less common side effects of Tofranil are severe allergic reaction (the manifestations of severe allergic reaction are skin rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue etc.); blurring of vision or any other vision change; changes in sex drive, chest pain; suicidal thinking or suicidal attempt, mental or mood changes (like increased anxiety, mood swings, agitation, irritability, nervousness, restlessness etc.), confusion, impulsive behavior or other unusual changes in behavior, hallucinations; constipation; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever; frequent or difficult urination; jaw, neck, or muscle spasms; panic attacks; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe dizziness or drowsiness; sore throat; stomach pain; swelling of the testicles; tremor; trouble sleeping; trouble walking or keeping your balance; twitching of the face or tongue; uncontrolled movements of arms and legs or stiffness; unusual bleeding or bruising; worsening of depression; yellowing of the skin or eyes etc.

Desease

• depression