Tofranil (Generic)

Generic Tofranil (imipramine) is in a group of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. Generic Tofranil affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced. Generic Tofranil is used to treat symptoms of depression. Generic Tofranil may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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.

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.

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.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can cause dangerous side effects when taken together with Generic Tofranil.

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, medicine for seizures, or other antidepressants). They can add to sleepiness caused by Generic Tofranil.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Generic Tofranil. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor before increasing or decreasing the amount of grapefruit products in your diet.

Generic Tofranil can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Tofranil can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to Generic Tofranil, or if you have recently had a heart attack. Do not use Tofranil (imipramine) if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days.

Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take Generic Tofranil before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

Before taking Generic Tofranil tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have: heart disease; a history of heart attack, stroke, or seizures; bipolar disorder (manic-depression); kidney or liver disease; overactive thyroid; diabetes (imipramine may raise or lower blood sugar); adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma); glaucoma; or problems with urination.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Tofranil (imipramine) or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Generic Tofranil can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to anyone younger than 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.

Take the missed dose 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.

Store Generic Tofranil at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Generic Tofranil out of the reach of children and away from pets.