Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Tofranil, Tofranil-PM

Generic Name: imipramine (Pronunciation: im IP ra meen)

• What is imipramine (Tofranil, Tofranil-PM)?
• What are the possible side effects of imipramine (Tofranil, Tofranil-PM)?
• What is the most important information I should know about imipramine (Tofranil, Tofranil-PM)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking imipramine (Tofranil, Tofranil-PM)?
• How should I take imipramine (Tofranil, Tofranil-PM)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Tofranil, Tofranil-PM)?
• What happens if I overdose (Tofranil, Tofranil-PM)?
• What should I avoid while taking imipramine (Tofranil, Tofranil-PM)?
• What other drugs will affect imipramine (Tofranil, Tofranil-PM)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is imipramine (Tofranil, Tofranil-PM)?

Imipramine is in a group of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. Imipramine affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced.

Imipramine is used to treat symptoms of depression.

Imipramine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Imipramine 10 mg-GG

round, yellow, imprinted with GG, 41

Imipramine 10 mg-MUT

round, yellow, imprinted with MP 4

Imipramine 10 mg-PAR

triangular, yellow, imprinted with par, 54

Imipramine 25 mg-GG

round, beige, imprinted with 47, GG

Imipramine 25 mg-PAR

round, brown, imprinted with 55, par

Imipramine 25 mg-URL

round, brown, imprinted with MP 8

Imipramine 50 mg-GG

round, green, imprinted with GG, 42

Imipramine 50 mg-MUT

round, green, imprinted with MP 79

Imipramine 50 mg-PAR

round, green, imprinted with 56, par

Tofranil 25 mg-MAL

round, orange, imprinted with M inside a box, 25

Tofranil 50 mg-MAL

round, orange, imprinted with 50, M inside a box

Tofranil 10 mg-MAL

triangular, orange, imprinted with 10, M inside a box

What are the possible side effects of imipramine (Tofranil, Tofranil-PM)?

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.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about imipramine (Tofranil, Tofranil-PM)?

Do not use imipramine if you have recently had a heart attack, or 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.

You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.

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.