Brand name: DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine)
Pronounced: TOE-fra-nil
Generic name: Imipramine hydrochloride
Other brand name: DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine)-PM
Why is DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine) prescribed?
DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine) is used to treat depression. It is a member of the family
of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants.
DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine) is also used on a short-term basis, along with behavioral
therapies, to treat bed-wetting in children aged 6 and older. Its effectiveness
may decrease with longer use.
Some doctors also prescribe DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine) to treat bulimia, attention deficit
disorder in children, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder.
DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine)-PM, which is usually taken once daily at bedtime, is approved
to treat major depression.
Most important fact about DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine)
Serious, sometimes fatal, reactions have been known to occur when
drugs such as DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine) are taken with another type of antidepressant
called an MAO inhibitor. Drugs in this category include Nardil and
Parnate. Do not take DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine) within 2 weeks of taking one of these
drugs. Make sure your doctor and pharmacist know of all the medications
you are taking.
How should you take DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine)?
DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine) may be taken with or without food.You should not take DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine)
with alcohol.Do not stop taking DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine) if you feel no immediate effect.
It can take from 1 to 3 weeks for improvement to begin.DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine) can cause
dry mouth. Sucking hard candy or chewing gum can help this problem.
If you miss a dose DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine)
If you take 1 dose a day at bedtime, contact your doctor. Do not take
the dose in the morning because of possible side effects.
If you take 2 or more doses a day, take the forgotten dose as soon
as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2
doses at once.
DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine) Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.
DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine).
* Side effects may include:
Breast development in males, breast enlargement in females, breast milk production,
confusion, diarrhea, dry mouth, hallucinations, hives, high blood pressure,
low blood pressure upon standing, nausea, numbness, tremors, vomiting
* The most common side effects in children being treated for bedwetting
are:
Nervousness, sleep disorders, stomach and intestinal problems, tiredness
* Other side effects in children are:
Anxiety, collapse, constipation, convulsions, emotional instability, fainting
Why should DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine) not be prescribed?
DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine) should not be used if you are recovering from a recent heart
attack.
People who take drugs known as MAO inhibitors, such as the antidepressants
Nardil and Parnate, should not take DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine). You should not take DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine)
if you are sensitive or allergic to it.
Special warnings about DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine)
In clinical studies, antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal
thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and
other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine)
or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this
risk with the clinical need. DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine) has not been studied in children
less than 6 years old. DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine)-PM is not approved for use in children.
Additionally, the progression of major depression is associated with
a worsening of symptoms and/or the emergence of suicidal thinking or
behavior in both adults and children, whether or not they are taking
antidepressants. Individuals being treated with DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine) and their
caregivers should watch for any change in symptoms or any new symptoms
that appear suddenly--especially agitation, anxiety, hostility, panic,
restlessness, extreme hyperactivity, and suicidal thinking or behavior--and
report them to the doctor immediately. Be especially observant at the
beginning of treatment or whenever there is a change in dose.
You should use DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine) cautiously if you have or have ever had: narrow-angle
glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye); difficulty in urinating;
heart, liver, kidney, or thyroid disease; or seizures. Also be cautious
if you are taking thyroid medication.General feelings of illness, headache,
and nausea can result if you suddenly stop taking DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine). Follow
your doctor's instructions closely
when discontinuing DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine).
Tell your doctor if you develop a sore throat or fever while taking
DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine).This drug may impair your ability to drive a car or operate
potentially dangerous machinery. Do not participate in any activities
that require
full alertness if you are unsure about your ability.
This drug can make you sensitive to light. Try to stay out of the
sun as much as possible while you are taking it.If you are going to
have elective surgery, your doctor will take you off DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine).Both
increased and decreased blood sugar levels have been reported during
DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine) therapy. If you have diabetes or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia),
your doctor will monitor you closely.Be sure your doctor knows if you
have a history of mental disorders. DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine) could cause a manic episode
in people with bipolar disorder
or a psychotic episode in those with schizophrenia.Unless it's absolutely
essential, DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine) is not recommended for people undergoing electroconvulsive
therapy (ECT).
Possible food and drug interactions when taking DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine)
Never combine DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine) with an MAO inhibitor (see "Most important
fact about DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine)"). If DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine) is taken with certain other
drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered.
It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining
DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine) with the following:
Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin)
Antidepressants that act on serotonin, including Prozac, Paxil, and
Zoloft
Antipsychotic drugs such as Mellaril and chlorpromazine
Barbiturates such as Nembutal and Seconal
Blood pressure medications such as Catapres
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Decongestants such as Sudafed
Drugs that control spasms, such as Cogentin
Epinephrine (EpiPen)
Flecainide (Tambocor)
Guanethidine
Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
Norepinephrine
Other antidepressants such as Elavil and Pamelor
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Propafenone (Rythmol)
Quinidine
Thyroid medications such as Synthroid
Tranquilizers and sleep aids such as Halcion, Xanax, and Valium
Extreme drowsiness and other potentially serious effects can result
if DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine) is combined with alcohol or other mental depressants, such
as narcotic painkillers (Percocet), sleeping medications (Halcion),
or tranquilizers (Valium).
If you are switching from Prozac, wait at least 5 weeks after your
last dose of Prozac before starting DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine).
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine) during pregnancy have not been adequately
studied. Pregnant women should use DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine) only when the potential
benefits clearly outweigh the potential risks. If you are pregnant
or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine)
may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this
medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you
to stop breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage for DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine)
ADULTS Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. An overdose
of DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine) can cause death. It has been reported that children are
more sensitive than adults to overdoses of DEPRANIL (Impramine, Tofranil, Imipramine). If you suspect
an overdose, seek medical help immediately.
