Imipramine (Tofranil) is a member of the family of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants.

Imipramine (Tofranil) comes as a tablet to take by mouth and may be taken with or without food.

Take Imipramine (Tofranil) exactly as directed by your health care professional.

Anyone considering the use of Imipramine (Tofranil) or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need.

Side effects from Imipramine (Tofranil) are common:

blurred vision
changes in appetite or weight
changes in sex drive or ability
constipation
difficulty urinating
drowsiness
dry mouth
excessive sweating
excitement or anxiety
frequent urination
insomnia
nightmares
skin more sensitive to sunlight than usual
upset stomach
weakness or tiredness

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

difficulty breathing or swallowing
fever
irregular heartbeat
jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms
persistent fine tremor or inability to sit still
severe skin rash
shuffling walk
slow or difficult speech
yellowing of the skin or eyes

Imipramine (Tofranil) should not be used if you are recovering from a recent heart attack.

People who take drugs known as MAO inhibitors, such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate, should not take Imipramine (Tofranil).

You should not take Imipramine (Tofranil) if you are sensitive or allergic to it.

It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Imipramine (Tofranil) with the following:

Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin)
Antidepressants that act on serotonin, including Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft
Antipsychotic drugs such as Mellaril and chlorpromazine
Barbiturates such as Nembutal and Seconal
Blood pressure medications such as Catapres
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Decongestants such as Sudafed
Drugs that control spasms, such as Cogentin
Epinephrine (EpiPen)
Flecainide (Tambocor)
Guanethidine
Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
Norepinephrine
Other antidepressants such as Elavil and Pamelor
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Propafenone (Rythmol)
Quinidine
Thyroid medications such as Synthroid
Tranquilizers and sleep aids such as Halcion, Xanax, and Valium

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

You should use Imipramine (Tofranil) cautiously if you have or have ever had: narrow-angle glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye); difficulty in urinating; heart, liver, kidney, or thyroid disease; or seizures. Also be cautious if you are taking thyroid medication.

If you are going to have elective surgery, your doctor will take you off Imipramine (Tofranil).

Both increased and decreased blood sugar levels have been reported during Imipramine (Tofranil) therapy. If you have diabetes or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), your doctor will monitor you closely.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Imipramine (Tofranil) is used to treat depression.

Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using Imipramine (Tofranil) for your condition.

Some doctors also prescribe Imipramine (Tofranil) to treat bulimia, attention deficit disorder in children, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder.

Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture.

Be sure your doctor knows if you have a history of mental disorders. Imipramine (Tofranil) could cause a manic episode in people with bipolar disorder or a psychotic episode in those with schizophrenia.

Unless it's absolutely essential, Imipramine (Tofranil) is not recommended for people undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Be especially observant at the beginning of treatment or whenever there is a change in dose, and report them to the doctor.