Tofranil (Imipramine)

General information

Tofranil belongs to the class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Imipramine helps to elevate mood and eliminate or reduce other symptoms associated with depression. Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin neurotransmitters (chemical substances in the brain) available in certain parts of the brain.

Directions

Take Tofranil exactly as prescribed by your doctor. For the treatment of depression in adults, the recommended starting dose is 25 mg three times daily, with or without food. This dose is usually increased gradually. The maximum recommended daily dose is 300 mg. The recommended starting dose for teens is 30 mg to 40 mg total per day (taken all at once or split into smaller doses). Tofranil should be taken at the same time each day.

Precautions

Before taking Tofranil you should talk with your doctor if you have bipolar disorder, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), heart disease, kidney or liver disease, problems with urination, glaucoma, pheochromocytoma, diabetes. Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking.

Contraindications

Do not take Tofranil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, allergic to imipramine or any ingredients of the medication, have taken a MAO inhibitor (phenelzine, tranylcypromine, etc.) in the last 14 days, or if you have recently had a heart attack.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have drowsiness, difficulty urinating, increased sweating, lightheadedness, rash, weight gain, erectile dysfunction, confusion, dry mouth, constipation, itchy skin, blurred vision, nausea, irregular heart rate, headache, abdominal cramps, yellow eyes or skin, unexplained sounds in the ears. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: arrhythmia medications (quinidine, flecainide, amiodarone), blood pressure medications, barbiturates (pentobarbital, phenobarbital, amobarbital), anticholinergic medications (atropine, belladonna, glycopyrrolate), cimetidine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine), phenytoin, phenothiazine medications (perphenazine, chlorpromazine, thioridazine), pressors (norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine), SSRI or SNRI medications (fluoxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine, citalopram), thyroid medications (levothyroxine, thyroid), tricyclic antidepressants (trimipramine, doxepin, amitriptyline). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are muscle stiffness, shortness of breath, sweating, extreme drowsiness, blurred vision, uneven heartbeats, fainting, convulsions, vomiting.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.