Tofranil, also known as imipramine, is a medication used to treat depression. This drug is often used in combination with other therapies for the treatment of bed-wetting in children. Imipramine is used to improve mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level. Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant that helps restore the balance of natural substances, like norepinephrine, in the brain.

How does Tofranil treat bed-wetting?

Imipramine aids in the treatment of bed-wetting in children by blocking the effect of acetylcholine (a natural substance in the body) in the bladder.

Make sure to always read the patient information and instructions before using this medication. Always follow your doctor’s directions.

• This drug is taken by mouth with or without food.
• Tofranil is typically taken 1-4 times a day. If you experience drowsiness taking this drug, your doctor may direct you to take the entire dose once at bedtime.
• When used in children for bed-wetting, this drug should be taken an hour before bed. If your child wets the bed earlier in the night, you may separate the drug into a dose in the afternoon as well.
• Continue taking this medication even if you feel well.
• This drug may not work as well if children take this drug for an extended period of time. Talk to your doctor if the medication stops working.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• About your drug and other allergies.
• If you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
• If you have a medical history of breathing problems, eating disorders, liver problems, mood disorders, seizures, brain injury, certain types of tumors (neuroblastoma), or overactive thyroid.
• Imipramine may cause a heart rhythm condition called QT prolongation, which may result in irregular heartbeat symptoms. Low levels of potassium may increase these risks.
• If you have diabetes because this drug may make it harder to control your blood sugar.
• If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

You should also know:

• Consuming alcohol or cannabis may increase side effects of dizziness or drowsiness.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug.
• This drug can be used during pregnancy when needed, but imipramine DOES pass into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.

Common side effects of Tofranil include but are not limited to:

• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Nausea or vomiting
• Weight gain or loss
• Stomach cramps

Get medical help if you have any of the following side effects of imipramine.

• Mood changes
• Enlarged or painful breasts
• Unusual breast milk production
• Ringing in the ears
• Decreased sexual ability
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• Trouble urinating
• Tremors

How long does Tofranil take to work?

Tofranil does not work right away. It can take up to 3 weeks before you notice the full effects of this medication for depression. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve after this amount of time.