If you or a loved one is experiencing depression, there are treatment options available. Learn about the benefits and impact of Tofranil.
Depression is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for people aged 15 to 44. Major depressive disorder affects more than 16.1 million American adults, or 6.7% of the U.S. population age 18 or older in a given year.1
Depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, and it can be treated with medications like imipramine or Tofranil. Side effects of Tofranil may include unpleasant physical reactions, such as dry mouth and constipation. However, these side effects are usually not severe and often fade when the body adjusts to the presence of the medication. Find out more about Tofranil for depression below.
There are many causes of depression. Some of the most common causes include these:
Individuals who suffer from depression may experience a wide range of symptoms. It is important to recognize them in order to best identify the source and advocate for proper treatment if you or a loved one is experiencing depression. These symptoms can include the following behaviors or experiences:
Symptoms of depression are not always the same for every person, but they usually last at least two weeks or may last longer. This type of prolonged depression is known as major depression.
Here are the most common types of depression and what they mean.
Major depression manifests itself with intense or overwhelming symptoms that last longer than two weeks. MDD affects more than 16.1 million American adults.
Persistent depression is depression that lasts for longer than two years. Around 2.5% of U.S. adults experience a persistent depressive disorder at some time in their lives.2
Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings. The term bipolar comes from the idea that someone has periods of mania and depression. Roughly 4.4% of U.S. adults experience bipolar disorder at some time in their lives.3
Some people with major depression may experience periods of psychosis, involving hallucinations and delusions. It is estimated that around 14.7% to 18.5% of those who experience severe clinical depression will develop depression with psychotic features.4
Perinatal depression is a type of depression that occurs during pregnancy or within 4 weeks of childbirth.
PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Seasonal depression is a type of depression that appears during certain seasons. Generally, it occurs during the winter months.
Situational depression is depression that is triggered by specific events or situations like the death of a loved one or a serious illness.
If you or a loved one are experiencing the negative effects of depression, it is important to consider treatment options that involve medical intervention. One such method is taking doctor prescribed Tofranil.
Tofranil is the brand name of imipramine. The imipramine brand name is part of the Tofranil drug class known as antidepressants. Oral tablets of the Tofranil drug class of antidepressants are available as a Tofranil generic drug, called imipramine, and as the brand-name drug, called Tofranil. Generic drugs are generally cheaper than the brand-name version. They may also not be as potent as the brand-name drug.
Tofranil, which is in the category of medications called tricyclic antidepressants, is a prescription drug used to treat the symptoms of depression. The medicine is also used as Tofranil for bedwetting, or enuresis, in children ages six or older. It has also been successfully used to alleviate suicidal tendencies. Be mindful of Tofranil interactions if you are taking other medications alongside Tofranil.
Using Tofranil may improve a depressive person’s mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level. Additionally, it can help restore the person’s interest in daily life. The drug works by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain that are thought to be involved in treating depression, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. Always talk to your doctor about other drugs you are taking alongside Tofranil as the Tofranil interactions with various other medications can be dangerous.5
When considering if a treatment option is right for you or your loved one, it is important to take relevant side effects into account. They will be detailed below.
Tofranil, or imipramine (Tofranil), may cause several short-term side effects, including these:
According to a 2002 study, the most common long-term side effects of continuous Tofranil use include the following:6
According to Tofranil reviews, Tofranil side effects usually disappear once your body adjusts to the medicine. If you experience any side effects for a prolonged period, consult with your health care professional. They may help prevent or reduce some of the Tofranil side effects.
Are you wondering, “What is Tofranil used for?” Tofranil for anxiety is a common use of the drug, but when answering the question of what is imipramine, the topic of depression often comes up as the main purpose of a Tofranil prescription. However, there are other reasons why people take Tofranil. Here is more information about dosages, uses, and withdrawal symptoms associated with a Tofranil dosage.
Tofranil is available as tablets that patients take orally. The medication can be taken several times a day, usually one to four times daily, with or without food. If the patient suffers from daytime drowsiness, their doctor may direct them to take the entire dose before bedtime. Patients are also instructed to take Tofranil at the same time every single day.
Tofranil dosage is based on the patient’s age, medical condition, and response to therapy. There is a major difference between Tofranil 5 mg and Tofranil 10 mg, meaning the dosage is very important. Generally, adult patients are prescribed an initial dose of 75mg. The dose can be increased to 150mg or 200mg for patients who are not hospitalized or 300mg if the patient is under hospital care. The medication can also be taken as a single dose of 150mg before bedtime. If the patient is older, the recommended dose is 10mg per day or up to 30mg to 50mg per day. According to Tofranil reviews, it can take up to three weeks until patients feel the full benefits of Tofranil.
If a patient takes Tofranil for a longer period of time, or more than a month, and wants to stop taking it, they may experience some withdrawal symptoms. The most common withdrawal symptoms of Tofranil include the following behaviors or experiences:
Doing your research prior to ingesting a new substance or medication is important. Below details some commonly asked questions about the consumption of Tofranil.
If you miss taking a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take the two doses at the same time.
No well-controlled studies have been conducted in pregnant women to know whether Tofranil can be taken during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor. It is not recommended to take Tofranil while breastfeeding.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Tofranil as the combination of the two substances can lead to dangerous imipramine side effects or even death. Make sure you avoid driving or doing any other dangerous activity until you know how the medicine will affect you. As imipramine (Tofranil) can make you more susceptible to sunburn, avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds.
The most common overdose symptoms of Tofranil include irregular heartbeats, seizures, or coma. If you think you or a loved one may have overdosed, call your doctor or the Poison Control center at 1 (800) 222-1222. If your loved one is not breathing, call 911 immediately.
AMFM is here to help you or your loved one take the next steps towards an improved mental well-being.
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