Tofranil/Imipramine
Imipramine or Tofranil is a tricyclic antidepressant that basically works by maintaining the normal levels of some significant neurotransmitters, serotonin and norepinephrine, to eventually prevent symptoms of depression and some other similar disorders.
Uses of Tofranil
Generally, Tofranil is used to treat depression. It is also used to treat bed-wetting in children aged 6 and older, but only good for a short period of time as its effectiveness may not be that apparent if used for a longer period. At times, it is also used to treat attention deficit disorder in children, bulimia, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
While Tofranil-PM on the other hand, another version of Tofranil, is used to treat major depression.
Possible Side Effects
Adults and even children taking Tofranil may actually experience some side effects that normally can interfere with their daily functioning.
Normally, the side effects may include:
- Hallucinations
- Breast milk production
- Breast development in males
- Breast enlargement in females
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Hives
- Numbness
- Tremors
- High blood pressure
- Low blood pressure upon standing
As what aforementioned, children may also experience some side effects when they take Tofranil. Normally, the side effects they may experience are quite different and lesser from the ones above, specifically when they use Tofranil for their bedwetting concerns.
Ordinarily, the common side effects of Tofranil in children treated for bedwetting include:
- Nervousness
- Sleep disorders
- Stomach and intestinal problems
- Tiredness
While other side effects include:
- Anxiety
- Collapse
- Constipation
- Convulsions
- Emotional instability
- Fainting
Special Considerations and Warnings
One of the most significant reminders: never combine Tofranil with MAO inhibitors – Nardil and Parnate. Similarly, never use Tofranil with other powerful drugs as the effects of either could be actually increased, decreased, or changed. Lucky you if the effects would be decreased or even positively changed, but if the side effects would be increased, well then think twice.
Never also combine Tofranil with alcohol or other mental depressants like narcotic painkillers, tranquilizers or sleeping medications to avoid serious drowsiness or other adverse effects.
Tofranil on Pregnancy Issues
Tofranil applied on pregnant women, soon-to-be pregnant and already nursing mothers is not yet officially affirmed to be safe and harmless. Hence, if you are pregnant, soon to bear a child, or a nursing mother yet was prescribed to take Tofranil, think a hundred times if possible.
Think of the benefits and effects, even the consequences of your decision as well. If in case all the positive stuff outweigh the negative ones, then maybe you can consider Tofranil for now.