1. Understanding Depression Slideshow
2. Take the Depression Quiz
3. Benefits of Depression Treatment

What happens if I miss a dose (Tofranil, Tofranil-PM)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Tofranil, Tofranil-PM)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of imipramine can be fatal.

Symptoms of an imipramine overdose may include uneven heartbeats, extreme drowsiness, agitation, vomiting, blurred vision, sweating, muscle stiffness, swelling, shortness of breath, blue lips or fingernails, feeling light-headed, fainting, seizure (convulsions), or coma.

What should I avoid while taking imipramine (Tofranil, Tofranil-PM)?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can cause dangerous side effects when taken together with imipramine.

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, medicine for seizures, or other antidepressants). They can add to sleepiness caused by imipramine.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with imipramine. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor before increasing or decreasing the amount of grapefruit products in your diet.

Imipramine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Imipramine can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

What other drugs will affect imipramine (Tofranil, Tofranil-PM)?

Before taking imipramine, tell your doctor if you have used an "SSRI" antidepressant in the past 5 weeks, such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), or sertraline (Zoloft).

Before taking imipramine, tell your doctor if you are currently using any of the following drugs:

• cimetidine (Tagamet);
• clonidine (Catapres);
• guanethidine (Ismelin);
• methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin, Daytrana); or
• heart rhythm medications such as flecainide (Tambocor), propafenone (Rhythmol), or quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use imipramine, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There are many other medicines that can interact with imipramine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has information about imipramine written for health professionals that you may read.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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