Tofranil Uses

Tofranil or Imipramine, is an antidepressant (or mood elevator), and is used to treat depression. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses, and belongs to a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants. It can also be used for fibromyalgia pain and chronic nerve-related pain, including nerve pain from having shingles (including postherpetic neuralgia).
Tofranil is effective for some people with fibromyalgia, and not for others.

Side Effects
While Tofranil can be effective, there are a number of potential side effects, including:
* Breast development in males
* Confusion
* Diarrhea
* Hallucinations
* Low blood pressure upon standing
* Nausea
* Tremors
* Vomiting

The medication can make patients drowsy; therefore patients should not drink alcohol or drive a car until it is known how the medication will affect you.

How to Take
Tofranil is taken orally and is given usually at bedtime. It can be taken with or without food. If you take this medication more than once per day and you miss a dose, do not double dose. Likewise, if you take once per day and skip a dose, take only one dose the next day. Certain lab tests may be ordered to check your response to imipramine, so keeping all doctor appointments is critical.

Considerations
As with any medication for antidepressants, it can take several weeks for Tofranil to take effect. If you decide to stop taking Tofranil, speak with your health care provider before doing so as the dose can be tapered down.