Tofranil (Imipramine)

Description

Tofranil is an antidepressant medication that’s a part of the tricyclic class. Drugs that are a part of this group are usually called tricyclic antidepressants or TCAs. In some people who suffer from depression, they can have higher than usual levels of chemicals in their brain called neurotransmitters. This may be what’s causing them to feel depressed. These neurotransmitters are chemicals inside the brain that nerves need in order to send messages to each other. Tofranil helps to elevate mood by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters inside the brain.

What are some of the common potential side effects?

 Nausea
 Vomiting
 Weakness
 Confusion
 Anxiety
 Insomnia
 Increased heart rate
 Heart palpitations
 blurred vision
 Difficulty urinating
 Dry mouth
 Constipation
 Weight gain or loss
 Rash
 Hives
 Impotence

What are some of the serious potential side effects?

 High blood pressure
 Low blood pressure when standing (orthostatic hypotension)
 Fainting
 Heart attack
Stroke
 Seizures
 Hepatitis
 Abnormal heart beats
 (Arrhythmia)
 Can cause elevated pressure in the eyes of some patients with glaucoma

Additional information about Tofranil

In order to feel safe when taking an anti depressant treatment like Tofranil, you have to make sure you’re very strategic about it’s use. There are several ways to do this. Here are a few examples.

The first thing you might want to consider doing is making sure you understand the depth of your depression problem. Only a doctor (even a psychologist) can give you an idea of how serious your condition might be. After some research you might find your depression problem can be treated in others ways first and Tofranil can be a last resort option.

The second thing you might want to consider doing checking into how long the medication is meant to be used. Tofranil is not a cure for depression, but it does help to create some balance that will help a person experience a short term result. Other methods have to be applied if the goal is to treat depression long term. If not you’ll become over dependent and you don’t want this.

The third thing you might want to consider if you do get the medication is not take it everyday. The only way you might decide to take it everyday is if a doctor tells you to. Taking the medication only when you need to can be a great way to ensure you keep it working well. This way it becomes more of an aid rather than something you have to rely on long term in order to get help.

If you’ve never taken Tofranil before, then the best thing for you to do is make sure you proceed with caution. Be sure to read the instructions before taking it. Be sure to monitor how you feel when you’re on it and see if there are any dramatic changes on the negative side. If you do notice some than stop taking it. Be sure to avoid alcohol or narcotics with the use of this drug, because this will only increase the risk of side effects. As long as you control all of these things you can keep problems to a minimum.