Tofranil

Tofranil - General Information

Tricyclic antidepressant similar in action and side effects to imipramine. It may produce excitation. [PubChem]

Pharmacology of Tofranil

Tofranil is a tricyclic antidepressant. It was thought that tricylic antidepressants work by inhibiting the re-uptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin by nerve cells. However, this response occurs immediately, yet mood does not lift for around two weeks. It is now thought that changes occur in receptor sensitivity in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. The hippocampus is part of the limbic system, a part of the brain involved in emotions. Presynaptic receptors are affected: a1 and b1 receptors are sensitized, a2 receptors are desensitised (leading to increased noradrenaline production). Tricyclics are also known as effective analgesics for different types of pain, especially neuropathic or neuralgic pain. A precise mechanism for their analgesic action is unknown, but it is thought that they modulate anti-pain opioid systems in the CNS via an indirect serotonergic route. They are also effective in migraine prophylaxis, but not in abortion of acute migraine attack. The mechanism of their anti-migraine action is also thought to be serotonergic.

Tofranil for patients

Protriptyline is used to treat the symptoms of mental depression in people who are under close medical supervision. It is particularly suitable for those who are inactive and withdrawn.

Protriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressants. Unlike the class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, it does not act primarily through stimulation of the central nervous system. It tends to work more rapidly than some other tricyclic antidepressants. Improvement sometimes begins within a week.

If you are prone to anxiety or agitation, Protriptyline can make the problem worse. It can also exaggerate the symptoms of manic-depression and schizophrenia.

Protriptyline must never be taken with drugs classified as monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate.

Protriptyline should be used with caution by people who have heart problems or a thyroid disorder.

Take precaution if you have a history of seizures, difficulty urinating, or glaucoma (high pressure in the eyes); or use alcohol excessively while taking Protriptyline.

Tofranil Interactions

If Protriptyline is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Patient should check with doctor before combining Protriptyline with the following:

Antidepressants that boost serotonin, including Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft
Antipsychotic medications such as Mellaril and chlopromazine
Barbiturates such as Nembutal and Seconal
Certain blood pressure medications such as guanethidine
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Decongestants such as Sudafed
Drugs that quell spasms, such as Donnatal and Levsin
Epinephrine (EpiPen)
Flecainide (Tambocor)
Narcotic painkillers such as Percodan and Vicodin
Norepinephrine
Other antidepressants such as Elavil and Tofranil
Propafenone (Rythmol)
Quinidine
Tramadol (Ultram)
Tranquilizers and sleep aids such as Halcion, Valium, and Xanax

Protriptyline must never be combined with monoamine inhibitors such as Nardil and Parnate.

Tofranil Contraindications

Additional information about Tofranil

Tofranil Indication: For the treatment of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
Mechanism Of Action: Tofranil acts by decreasing the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin (5-HT).
Drug Interactions: Not Available
Food Interactions: Not Available
Generic Name: Protriptyline
Synonyms: Protryptyline
Drug Category: Norepinephrine-Reuptake Inhibitors; Antidepressive Agents; Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved

Other Brand Names containing Protriptyline: Amimetilina; Anafranil; Apo-Amitriptyline; Apo-Imipramine; Apo-Trimip; Asendin; Aventyl; Impril; Levate; Norpramin; Novo-Doxepin; Novo-Tripramine; Novopramine; Novotriptyn; Pertofrane; Rhotrimine; Sinequan; Surmontil; Tofranil; Triadapin 5; Triptil; Vivactil;
Absorption: Not Available
Toxicity (Overdose): Side effects include anxiety, blood disorders, confusion, decreased libido, dizziness, flushing, headache, impotence, insomnia, low blood pressure, nightmares, rapid or irregular heartbeat, rash, seizures, sensitivity to sunlight, stomach and intestinal problems.
Protein Binding: Not Available
Biotransformation: Not Available
Half Life: Not Available
Dosage Forms of Tofranil: Tablet, film coated Oral
Chemical IUPAC Name: Not Available
Chemical Formula: C19H21N
Protriptyline on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protriptyline
Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals