This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Tofranil is an antidepressant medication, a tricyclic antidepressant of the dibenzazepine group. It is mainly used in the treatment of clinical depression and enuresis.

How to Take

Adults: starting with 25 to 75 mg daily, increasing up to a maximum of 200 mg daily, after remission dose is often reduced to 50–100 mg daily. Children: starting with 10 mg daily the dose is adjusted according to the severity of the symptoms to be treated.

Warning and Precautions

Children, teenagers, and young adults who take Tofranil may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Watch all patients who take Tofranil closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.

Tofranil may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Tofranil with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Tofranil; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.

Missed Dose

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.

Overdose

Symptoms have included core nausea, dizziness, tachycardia, tremor, drowsiness, convulsions, fast heartbeat; sleepiness; sweating; vomiting. Rare: Bluish colored skin or lips; confusion; convulsions (seizures); deep or fast breathing with dizziness; fainting; general feeling of discomfort or illness; loss of memory; muscle pain; slow or irregular heartbeat; weakness. Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Storage

Store Tofranil at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), in a tightly sealed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Tofranil out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects

The common side effects are: Blurred vision; constipation; decreased appetite; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; general body discomfort; headache; incoordination; light-headedness; muscle aches/pains; nausea; nervousness; sleeplessness; stomach pain; stuffy nose; swelling of the skin; tiredness; tremors.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Tofranil. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.