What is Tofranil?
Tofranil is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that is mainly used to treat depression. It can also be used “off-label” for the treatment of bedwetting, chronic pain, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Tofranil is available as a generic drug.
Health Benefits
The exact mechanism of action of Tofranil is not known, but it is thought to work by increasing levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These two neurotransmitters are important for mood regulation.
Tofranil has been shown to be effective in the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults. It can also be used to treat bedwetting in children aged 6 and up.
Tofranil may also be effective in treating chronic pain, although the evidence is not as strong as for its use in depression. A small study published in Pain Research and Management showed that Tofranil was effective in reducing pain intensity and improving quality of life in people with chronic pain.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Tofranil include dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, and weight gain. Other possible side effects include blurred vision, urinary retention, and changes in heart rate.
If you experience any serious side effects, such as seizures or an irregular heartbeat, seek medical attention immediately.
Dosage and Administration
Tofranil is available as tablets of 10, 25, 50, and 75 mg for oral administration. The usual starting dose is 75 mg per day, divided into three doses. Your doctor may increase the dose gradually to achieve the best response. The maximum recommended dose is 225 mg per day.
Interactions
Tofranil may interact with other antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants. Taking Tofranil with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
Tofranil may also increase the levels of serotonin in your body. Therefore, it should not be taken with other medications that increase serotonin levels, such as SSRIs and SNRIs.
Mechanism of Action
The exact mechanism of action of Tofranil is not known. It is thought to work by increasing levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These two neurotransmitters are important for mood regulation.
Tofranil has been shown to be effective in the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults. It can also be used to treat bedwetting in children aged 6 and up.
Tofranil may also be effective in treating chronic pain, although the evidence is not as strong as for its use in depression. A small study published in Pain Research and Management showed that Tofranil was effective in reducing pain intensity and improving quality of life in people with chronic pain.
Pharmacokinetics
Tofranil is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism in the liver. The bioavailability of Tofranil is about 40%.
The half-life of Tofranil is 8-10 hours. Tofranil is metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys.
Alternatives to Tofranil
There are many other antidepressants available. Some of the most common include SSRIs such as Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), and Paxil (paroxetine); SNRIs such as Effexor (venlafaxine) and Cymbalta (duloxetine); and tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil (amitriptyline).
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tofranil is classified as a pregnancy category C drug, which means that it may not be safe for use during pregnancy.
