What is Tofranil (Imipramine HCL) used for?

Tofranil (Imipramine HCL) is an oral tricyclic antidepressant prescribed to treat patients suffering from depression. It operates by balancing levels of neurotransmitters in the brain to reduce symptoms associated with this condition such as feelings of guilt, hopelessness, irritability, or anxiety. It may also be used for treating anxiety disorders or to prevent bed wetting in children over the age of seven. Your physician may also prescribe it for other unlisted reasons.

How should I use Tofranil (Imipramine HCL)?

Tofranil (Imipramine HCL) should be taken according to your physician's directions to get the most effective results from treatment. The normal administration is one to four daily doses of one tablet, but your particular instructions will be determined by your health condition and the severity of your symptoms. When treating bedwetting, one tablet should be administered one hour before sleep. Swallow these doses with a large glass of water to aid absorption. Do not crush, split, or chew the tablets before use to avoid unintentionally destroying or altering the effects of their contents. Note that it may be necessary to begin with a lower dosage that is raised gradually until the correct dosage is found. Always ask your pharmacist or physician any questions you have about using the medication to ensure the correct administration.

What are the side effects of Tofranil (Imipramine HCL)?

Side effects that may occur while using Tofranil (Imipramine HCL) include:

• Weakness or drowsiness
• Lack of coordination
• Tingling sensation
• Blurry vision
• Tinnitus (Ringing in the ears)
• Swelling of the breast area
• Decreased sex drive, impotence, or trouble having an orgasm

More serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention are urinary retention, sensitive skin, chest pain, flu symptoms, faintness, irregular heart rate, seizures, or jaundice. Tell your physician as soon as you experience any symptoms that are intense or worrying to you to make sure the correct adjustments are made to your regimen to prevent further health complications from occurring.

Please Note

Do not begin using Tofranil (Imipramine HCL) if you have bipolar disorder, recent heart attack, arrhythmia, heart block, closed angle glaucoma, or if you have taken another MAOI medication within the last two weeks. Also inform your physician if you have bipolar disorder, diabetes, epilepsy, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, high blood pressure, porphyrias, psychotic illness, or urinary retention as these conditions may require adjustments to your dosage to prevent unexpected health complications from occurring.

Strictly follow all instructions provided to you by your physician or pharmacist while using Tofranil (Imipramine HCL). Optimum and safe dosage can differ based on the patient and the condition being treated.

As this medication may be unsafe for certain patients, it is essential you always inform your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as if you have any allergies, other illnesses, or ongoing health conditions, and if you are taking any other form of medication, supplements, or herbal products.

Immediately seek emergency medical care if you have an allergic or hypersensitive reaction. Common signs of a reaction include hives, swelling, skin rashes, chest pains, as well as trouble breathing or swallowing.