Suicidal Thoughts and Changes in Mood
Tofranil may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in some people, particularly children, teenagers, and young adults during the early stages of antidepressant treatment or after a dose change.
Patients, family members, and caregivers should watch for worsening depression, unusual changes in behavior, agitation, anxiety, irritability, or thoughts of self-harm. Contact a healthcare provider promptly if these symptoms appear or become worse.
Drowsiness and Dizziness
Tofranil may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or reduced alertness.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing activities that require concentration until you know how the medication affects you.
Alcohol may increase drowsiness and other central nervous system effects and should be limited or avoided as directed by your healthcare provider.
Heart Problems and Low Blood Pressure
Tofranil can affect heart rate, heart rhythm, and blood pressure.
Use extra caution if you have heart disease, an abnormal heart rhythm, heart failure, or a history of cardiovascular problems. Imipramine may cause conduction abnormalities, rapid heartbeat, or a drop in blood pressure when standing.
Your healthcare provider may recommend heart monitoring, including an ECG, particularly if you have cardiovascular disease or require higher doses.
Seizure Risk
Tofranil can lower the seizure threshold and may increase the chance of having a seizure.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have epilepsy, a history of seizures, or another condition that may increase seizure risk.
Glaucoma
Tofranil can cause mild widening of the pupils and may trigger an attack of angle-closure glaucoma in people who have anatomically narrow drainage angles in the eyes.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have glaucoma, eye pressure problems, eye pain, or changes in vision. Seek prompt medical attention for sudden eye pain, redness, blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights.
Urinary Retention
Because imipramine has anticholinergic effects, it can make urination more difficult.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of urinary retention, an enlarged prostate, or difficulty emptying your bladder.
Bipolar Disorder and Mania
Tell your healthcare provider if you or a close family member has a history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania.
Antidepressants such as Tofranil may trigger a manic or hypomanic episode in susceptible patients. Screening for bipolar disorder is recommended before antidepressant treatment begins.
Drug Interactions
Tofranil can interact with several medications.
Do not take Tofranil together with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). A minimum interval of 14 days is generally required when switching from an MAOI to imipramine because the combination can cause severe or potentially life-threatening reactions.
Other important interactions may occur with:
- Medications that lower blood pressure
- Certain heart medications
- Anticholinergic medications
- Sedating antihistamines
- Alcohol
- Methylphenidate
- Other antidepressants or serotonergic medications
Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription medications, over-the-counter products, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you use.
Liver and Kidney Problems
Tell your healthcare provider if you have liver or kidney disease.
These conditions may affect how your body handles imipramine and may increase the risk of side effects. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust your treatment or monitor you more closely.
Thyroid Problems
Use Tofranil cautiously if you have an overactive thyroid or take thyroid medication.
Imipramine may increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects in these patients.
Weight and Appetite Changes
Tofranil may cause changes in appetite or weight in some patients.
Fluid retention and swelling may also occur. Tell your healthcare provider if you notice significant or unexplained weight changes, swelling, or worsening heart-related symptoms.
Pregnancy
Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.
The effects of imipramine during pregnancy are not fully established. Tofranil should generally be used during pregnancy only when the potential benefit justifies the possible risk to the fetus.
Breastfeeding
Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Your healthcare provider should consider the potential benefits and risks of imipramine treatment while breastfeeding and determine whether treatment is appropriate for you.
Before Surgery
Tell your surgeon, dentist, or anesthesiologist that you take Tofranil before having surgery or a medical procedure.
Imipramine can interact with medications used during anesthesia, so your healthcare team may need to adjust your treatment plan.
Allergic Reactions
Do not take Tofranil if you have had a serious allergic reaction to imipramine or closely related tricyclic antidepressants.
Seek urgent medical attention if you develop swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, severe rash, or difficulty breathing.
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