Generic Tofranil

Tofranil is generically prescribed as imipramine. Tofranil is a tricyclic antidepressant and is commonly used to treat the symptoms of depression. Tricyclic antidepressants alter the chemical patterns in the brain that cause depressants.

Patients who are starting drug therapy with Tofranil require careful monitoring to be sure there is not a worsening of symptoms including depression and suicidal thoughts and actions. Patients who are starting Tofranil must wait at least 14 days after taking an MAOI to prevent a life threatening interaction. Patients must also wait at least 5 weeks after taking an SSRI before starting Tofranil. These medications can cause life threatening interactions when taken with Tofranil.

Tofranil is not appropriate for all patients and should not be prescribed without a thorough medical assessment. Patients with a medical history which includes heart disease, heart attacks, irregular heart rhythms, stroke, liver disease, kidney disease, glaucoma, urination problems, overactive thyroid, adrenal gland tumor, or diabetes may not be able to take Tofranil or may require careful monitoring while taking Tofranil, depending on the condition or the severity of the condition.

The American Food and Drug Administration determined this medication is prone to causing harm or birth defects to an unborn baby. It has not yet been determined whether or not this medication is likely to pass through the mother’s breast milk and affect or cause harm to a nursing baby. The prescribing physician should not prescribe Tofranil to a woman who is pregnant or nursing or who may become pregnant.

There are side effects associated with Tofranil, some of which can indicate a very serious reaction or health condition. Patients who experience these side effects will require immediate emergency medical attention. Symptoms such as allergic reactions, which include swelling of the face, lips, mouth, or tongue, difficulty breathing, and hives, decreased urination, no urination, shortness of breath even with only mild exertion, fast heart rate, uneven heart rate, pounding heart, sudden onset numbness or weakness that dominates one side of the body, sudden onset headache with confusion or difficulty with speech or balance, rapid swelling, rapid weight gain, chest pain or heaviness that involves the arm or other symptoms of a heart attack, unusual weakness, easy bruising, easy bleeding, excessive thirst with an accompanying headache with nausea, vomiting, or weakness, skin rash, severe bruising, numbness, pain or muscle weakness, restless muscle movements of the eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck, severe tingling, confusion, convulsions, or hallucinations.

There are less serious side effects which are typically more common than serious side effects. While less serious side effects generally don’t require immediate emergency medical care, they should be reported to the prescribing physician to help determine the appropriate dosage. Less serious side effects may include ringing in the ears, lack of coordination, headaches, blurry vision, insomnia, nightmares, weakness, changes in weight, swelling of the breasts in either gender, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, dry mouth, or impotence or other form of sexual dysfunction. Sometimes lowering the dosage of Tofranil can decrease the discomfort of less serious side effects.

Tofranil should be taken exactly as it has been prescribed by the physician. If the patient misses a dose, then the dose should be taken when it is remembered, provided it is not almost time for the next scheduled dose. Taking too much Tofranil, taking doses too close together, or taking a double dose to make up for a missed dose can lead to an accidental overdose. In the event an overdose is suspected, the patient will need emergency medical intervention. Symptoms of an overdose are likely to include agitation, uneven heart rate, sweating, blurry vision, vomiting, muscle stiffness, swelling, extreme drowsiness, shortness of breath, blue lips, blue fingernails, lightheadedness, fainting, seizures, fainting, coma, or death.

Medications other than Tofranil may interact and cause serious health complications or death. Patients should be urged to inquire with the prescribing physician before taking any new prescription medication, over the counter medication, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Medications with known interactions with Tofranil include MAO inhibitors, SSRI antidepressants, cimetidine, guanethidine, heart rhythm medications, clonidine, and methylphenidate.