Tofranil (imipramine)

Tofranil (imipramine)

March 29, 2016 | Recovery Connection |

Tofranil (imipramine)

Tofranil works on the central nervous system and is known as a tricyclic antidepressant. It is generally prescribed to treat depression.

What is Tofranil?

Tofranil
Tofranil

Tofranil (imipramine) is among the drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant class, one of the original classes of antidepressants. Tofranil treats depression by increasing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain that are needed to maintain mental balance. Imipramine is also used occasionally to treat eating disorders and panic disorders as well as bedwetting in children.

Uses of Tofranil

Tofranil is used to treat the depression and anxiety that result from benzodiazepine abuse. Treatment for benzodiazepine addictionand the subsequent substance induced depression and anxiety usually occurs in a dual diagnosis drug rehab. Off-label uses for Tofranil are panic attacks, attention deficit disorder and neuropathic pain. It is not recommended to be taken with alcohol or CNS depressants. It can take up to 3 to 4 weeks for the full effects of the drug to be felt. Tofranil is often prescribed in drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers for addiction treatment with co-occurring mood disorders. Tofranil when taken with alcohol can create intoxication combined with depressed brain function.  It may dangerous if dosage is abruptly changed as it can affect heart rhythms and increase of heart attack. It is not advisable to take Tofranil if you suffer from heart disease, have a history of stroke, or seizures.

Side Effects of Tofranil

  • Worsening of depressive symptoms
  • Tachycardia
  • Palpitations
  • Change in blood sugar levels
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea
  • Weight changes
  • Weakness

Serious Side Effects that Require Further Medical Attention:

  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Jaw, neck or back muscle spasms
  • Shaking
  • Difficulty speaking

Withdrawal Symptoms of Tofranil

It is not advised that you stop taking Tofranil without being gradually weaned off the drug. It is usually best to go through a medically monitored drug detox in drug rehab program. Withdrawal symptoms need to be monitored and may be extremely uncomfortable such as:

  • Lack of coordination
  • Crying spells
  • Depersonalization
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Overreacting
  • Sensory or sleep disturbances

Looking For Treatment?

You never thought your drug use would create anxiety, depression or panic. But here you are suffering from addiction and suffering debilitating feelings. Recovery Connection's helpline coordinators can answer your questions about dual diagnosis treatment, addiction, detox and alcohol and drug treatment. Call 866-812-8231 now and regain control of your health and your life.

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