Tofranil

Drug Uses

 

Tofranil is a tricyclic antidepressant that is used to treat the symptoms of depression and help patients elevate their mood.

 

How it is taken

Tofranil can be taken by mouth with or without food Take it for the entire duration of treatment preferably at the same time everyday. (At bedtime to reduce side effects like daytime drowsiness)

Do not stop without consulting your doctor. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Tofranil is a tricyclic antidepressant, the exact working of which is not known. It is known to increase the activity of certain chemicals in the brain which helps improve the mood and cure the symptoms of depression.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Tofranil then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.
 

 

 

Warnings/Precautions

 

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, if you have a history of heart problems, seizures (eg, epilepsy), overactive thyroid, glaucoma, prostate problems (eg, benign prostatic hypertrophy [BPH]), blood problems (eg, porphyria), other mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol abuse

 

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or you are allergic to any ingredient in Tofranil or to other tricyclic antidepressants, you have certain prostate problems (eg, asymptomatic prostatic hypertrophy), glaucoma, or trouble urinating, you are taking clonidine, an H1 antagonist (eg, astemizole, terfenadine), or ibutilide, or you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, furazolidone, phenelzine, isocarboxazid) within the past 14 days.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Tofranil and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Tofranil is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Certain drugs can interact with Tofranil and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking, especially any of the following.

Azole antifungals (eg, fluconazole), cimetidine, duloxetine, flecainide, methylphenidate, mibefradil, phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), propafenone, quinidine, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine), or terbinafine because they are known to increase the side effects of the drug.

Arsenic, astemizole, droperidol, furazolidone, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), pimozide, streptogramins (eg, dalfopristin), terfenadine, or tramadol

Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital) or phenytoin

Anticholinergics (eg, benztropine), carbamazepine, or sympathomimetics (eg, phenylephrine)

Clonidine, guanethidine, or guanfacine
 

 

Possible Side Effects

 

 

Some of the common side effects of are Appetite loss, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, excess sweating, headache, heartburn, increased appetite, indigestion, nausea, unpleasant taste, urinary retention, vomiting, weakness, weight gain. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

 

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), abnormal movements, aggressive or bizarre behavior, agitation, anxiety, blurred vision or other vision changes, chest pain, difficulty speaking and swallowing, disorientation, eye pain, fainting, fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat, hair loss, hallucinations, hostility, irritability, loss of balance, mood swings, nervousness or restlessness, panic attacks, ringing in the ears, seizures, shakiness, sore throat or fever, trouble sleeping, twitching of the face or tongue, unusual bleeding or bruising, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.