Product Description
Common use
Tofranil (Imipramine) is in a group of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. Imipramine affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced.
It is used to treat symptoms of depression.
This medicine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Dosage and direction
Tofranil is a tricyclic antidepressant. It works by increasing the activity of certain chemicals in the brain that help elevate mood.
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking imipramine. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Do not stop using imipramine without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. Stopping this medication suddenly could cause you to have unpleasant side effects. It may take up to 3 weeks of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 weeks of treatment.
If you missed the dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of imipramine can be fatal.
Symptoms of an imipramine overdose may include uneven heartbeats, extreme drowsiness, agitation, vomiting, blurred vision, sweating, muscle stiffness, swelling, shortness of breath, blue lips or fingernails, feeling light-headed, fainting, seizure (convulsions), or coma.
Take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor.
Storage
Store imipramine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Safety information
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.
Some medical conditions may interact with Tofranil . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you drink alcohol-containing beverages daily or you have a history of alcohol abuse
if you take thyroid medicine or you have a history of overactive thyroid, glaucoma, heart problems, kidney or liver problems, diabetes, seizures, the blood disease porphyria, or difficulty urinating
if you have a history of suicidal thoughts or behavior, bipolar disorder, or any other mental disorders; you are undergoing electroshock therapy; or you are scheduled to have any surgery.
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Tofranil . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Azole antifungals (eg, fluconazole), cimetidine, duloxetine, flecainide, methylphenidate, mibefradil, phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), propafenone, quinidine, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine), or terbinafine because they may increase the risk of Tofranil 's side effects
Arsenic, astemizole, droperidol, furazolidone, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), pimozide, streptogramins (eg, dalfopristin), terfenadine, or tramadol because the risk of high blood pressure, serious heart problems (eg, irregular heartbeat), or seizures may be increased
Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital) or phenytoin because they may decrease Tofranil 's effectiveness
Anticholinergics (eg, benztropine), carbamazepine, or sympathomimetics (eg, phenylephrine) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Tofranil
Clonidine, guanethidine, or guanfacine because their effectiveness may be decreased by Tofranil
Possible side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
fast, pounding, or uneven heart rate;
chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
swelling, rapid weight gain;
confusion, hallucinations, or seizure (convulsions);
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;
urinating more or less than usual;
extreme thirst with headache, nausea, vomiting, and weakness;
skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, or muscle weakness.
Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:
nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
constipation or diarrhea;
dry mouth, unpleasant taste;
weight changes;
weakness, lack of coordination;
feeling dizzy, drowsy, or tired;
nightmares;
blurred vision, headache, ringing in your ears;
breast swelling (in men or women); or
decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.
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.
