Anafranil vs. Tofranil

• Are Anafranil and Tofranil the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Anafranil?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Tofranil?
• What Is Anafranil?
• What Is Tofranil?
• What Drugs Interact with Anafranil?
• What Drugs Interact with Tofranil?
• How Should Anafranil Be Taken?
• How Should Tofranil Be Taken?

Anafranil (clomipramine hydrochloride) and Tofranil (imipramine hydrochloride) are tricyclic antidepressants used to treat different conditions.

Anafranil is used to treat symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) such as recurrent thoughts or feelings and repetitive actions.

Tofranil is used to treat symptoms of depression.

Common side effects of Anafranil include:

• dizziness,
• drowsiness,
• dry mouth,
• constipation,
• stomach upset,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• changes in appetite or weight,
• flushing,
• increased sweating,
• tiredness,
• blurred vision or vision changes,
• anxiety,
• restlessness,
• sleep problems (insomnia),
• memory problems,
• trouble concentrating,
• numbness or tingling,
• decreased sex drive,
• impotence, or
• difficulty having an orgasm.

Tell your doctor if you have unlikely but serious side effects of Anafranil including:

• mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, depression),
• enlarged or painful breasts,
• unwanted breast milk production,
• irregular or painful menstrual periods,
• muscle stiffness,
• ringing in the ears,
• shakiness (tremors), or
• trouble urinating.

Common side effects of Tofranil include:

• dry mouth,
• blurred vision,
• headache,
• drowsiness,
• dizziness,
• constipation,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• loss of appetite,
• diarrhea,
• stomach cramps,
• weight gain/loss,
• increased sweating,
• tingly feeling,
• weakness,
• lack of coordination,
• ringing in your ears,
• breast swelling (in men or women),
• decreased sex drive,
• impotence, or
• difficulty having an orgasm.

You may have suicidal thoughts while taking Tofranil, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Tell your doctor if this occurs. Tell your doctor if you experience rare but very serious side effects of Tofranil including:

• easy bruising or bleeding,
• signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat),
• severe stomach or abdominal pain,
• dark urine,
• yellowing of eyes or skin,
• feeling like you might pass out,
• new or worsening chest pain,
• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest,
• sudden numbness or weakness,
• problems with vision, speech, or balance,
• fever,
• sore throat,
• unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum),
• purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin,
• confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior,
• painful or difficult urination, or
• seizures (convulsions).

Anafranil (clomipramine hydrochloride) is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) such as recurrent thoughts or feelings and repetitive actions.

Tofranil (imipramine hydrochloride) is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat symptoms of depression. Tofranil is available in generic form.

Anafranil may interact with SSRI antidepressants, cimetidine, guanethidine, methylphenidate, phenytoin, warfarin, heart or blood pressure medications, heart rhythm medications, or anti-psychotic medications. Many other drugs can interact with Anafranil.

Tofranil may interact with SSRI antidepressants, cimetidine, clonidine, guanethidine, methylphenidate, or heart rhythm medications. Many other medications can interact with Tofranil. Tell your doctor all medications you use. Tofranil should be used only when prescribed during pregnancy. Infants born to mothers who have taken similar medications during pregnancy may have trouble urinating, prolonged sleepiness, shaking, and seizures. Consult your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

The adult starting dose of Anafranil is 25 mg daily and gradually increased, as tolerated, to approximately 100 mg during the first 2 weeks. Maximum dose is 250 mg daily. Consult your doctor for pediatric or adolescent dosing.

For outpatient adults, the initial dose of Tofranil is 75 mg/day, increased to 150 mg/day. Dosages over 200 mg/day are not recommended. Dose may vary for adolescent, geriatric, childhood, or hospitalized patients.