Drug Name

Tofranil (Imipramine)

Drug Uses

Tofranil is used for treating depression. It is also used in some children to help reduce bedwetting. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Tofranil as directed by your doctor.

• Take Tofranil by mouth with or without food.
• Taking Tofranil at bedtime may help reduce side effects (e.g., daytime drowsiness). Discuss this possibility with your doctor.
• It may take 1 to 3 weeks before you notice the effect of Tofranil. Continue to use Tofranil even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Tofranil.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Tofranil is a tricyclic antidepressant. It works by increasing the activity of certain chemicals in the brain that help elevate mood.

Missed Dose

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

Storage

Store Tofranil at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Tofranil out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Tofranil if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Tofranil;
• you have taken furazolidone or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (e.g., phenelzine) within the last 14 days, or if you are taking astemizole, droperidol, or terfenadine.
• you are recovering from a recent heart attack.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important :

• Tofranil may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Tofranil with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Tofranil ; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Tofranil may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• Do not become overheated in hot weather or while you are being active; heatstroke may occur.
• Children, teenagers, and young adults who take Tofranil may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Watch all patients who take Tofranil closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.
• Tofranil may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Tofranil before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Lab tests, including blood counts, may be performed while you use Tofranil . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Tofranil with caution in the elderly (especially those with cardiac disease); they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Tofranil should be used with extreme caution in children younger than 6 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It is not known if Tofranil can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Tofranil while you are pregnant. It is not known if Tofranil is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Tofranil.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; excitement; headache; impotence; nausea; nightmares; pupil dilation; sensitivity to sunlight; sweating; tiredness; upset stomach; vomiting; weakness; weight loss or gain.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision or other vision changes; changes in sex drive; chest pain; confusion; constipation; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever; frequent or difficult urination; hallucinations; impulsive behavior or other unusual changes in behavior; jaw, neck, or muscle spasms; mental or mood changes (eg, increased anxiety, mood swings, agitation, irritability, nervousness, restlessness); panic attacks; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe dizziness or drowsiness; sore throat; stomach pain; suicidal thinking or behavior; 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.

More Information

Tofranil is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.