Tofranil (Imipramine)

Description

Tofranil (imipramine) is a medication prescribed to treat depression in adults.

Tofranil brand is no longer available in the US; however, generic alternatives may be available.

The generic, imipramine, is available in 10 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg oral tablets and 75 mg, 100 mg, 125 mg, and 150 mg oral capsules.

Directions

Tofranil (imipramine) should be taken as prescribed by your doctor, who will determine an appropriate Tofranil (imipramine) dosage and treatment regimen for you.

Carefully read the medication guide for further usage instructions, including storage information.

Have any questions or concerns? Do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor or pharmacist.

Ingredients

Imipramine is the active ingredient in Tofranil.

Refer to the product label or ask your pharmacist for a full list of ingredients.

Contraindications

Tofranil (imipramine) should not be given to patients who are allergic to any of its ingredients, are going through acute recovery of a heart attack, or are taking serotonergic medications.

Cautions

• Before you begin treatment with Tofranil (imipramine), tell your doctor about:
• All the medications you take, including prescription and nonprescription medications
• Your allergies
• Your current health conditions
• Your past medical history
• Your status of pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Tofranil (imipramine) contains the following Boxed Warning:
• The risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults (<24 years old) is increased by taking antidepressants for major depressive disorders and other psychiatric illnesses according to short-term studies. This increase was not observed in patients older than 24 years of age; a slight decrease in suicidal thinking was observed in adults older than 65 years of age.
• The risks of taking antidepressants must be weighed against the benefits in children and young adults.
• Close monitoring for behavioral changes, clinical worsening, and suicidal tendencies should occur in patients during the first 1-2 months of therapy and dosage adjustments.
• The patient’s family should immediately report any abrupt behavioral changes to the healthcare provider.
• Discontinuation of the medication may be needed with worsening behavior and suicidal tendencies that are not part of the presenting symptoms.
• The medication is not approved for pediatric patients.
• Tofranil (imipramine) is associated with the following warnings and cautions:
• Anticholinergic effects may occur; caution should be used in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, urinary/gastrointestinal retention, hyperthyroidism, seizure disorder, brain tumor, and respiratory issues.
• Dilated pupils may occur; triggering of angle-closure attack in patients with angle-closure glaucoma with anatomically narrow angles without patent iridectomy may occur.
• Clinical worsening and suicidal ideation may occur.
• Serotonin syndrome that can be life-threatening may occur when taken with medications that impair serotonin metabolism, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, linezolid, and IV methylene blue.
• Bone marrow suppression may occur, although it’s rare.
• Orthostatic hypotension may occur.
• Sedation and impaired mental or physical abilities may occur.
• The medication should not be abruptly stopped.

Side Effects

Tofranil (imipramine) side effects may include but are not limited to fatigue, lethargy, sedation, weakness, constipation, dry mouth, blurred vision, agitation, anxiety, headache, sleep problems, nausea, vomiting, sweating, ECG changes, orthostatic hypotension, rapid heart rate, confusion, extrapyramidal symptoms, dizziness, tingling/burning/numbness of the skin, ringing of the ears, rash, increased liver function tests, sexual dysfunction, seizure, low white blood cell counts, low platelet counts, and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH).

Immediately inform your doctor of any bothersome or persistent side effects you experience while taking Tofranil (imipramine)

Ask your doctor about Tofranil (imipramine).

Reference

1. Imipramine. Medscape.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....