What Is Tofranil (Imipramine)?

Tofranil is a medical prescription drug that belongs to the class known as tricyclic antidepressants (TCA). The name Tofranil stands as the brand name for the medical compound called imipramine. Tofranil, or imipramine, is used in the treatment of depression and enuresis (in children). Enuresis is the scientific term used to describe night-time bed-wetting experienced by children. Tofranil has proven effective in treating that too.

In dealing with depression, the drug works by restoring the normal levels of the relevant neurotransmitters like norepinephrine in the patient’s brain. In turn, this favorable balance works to boost the person’s moods, appetite, sleep, and even their general energy level. In the case of enuresis, Tofranil fights off the bladder release effects caused by acetylcholine – which is a naturally occurring substance.

How Is Tofranil (Imipramine) Used?

Tofranil is taken by mouth without mixing it with food. For adults, it can be taken up to four times a day, but this dosage largely depends on the patient’s condition as well as their progress in the recovery process – for those undergoing treatment for depression. However, it is to be noted that in all cases of its usage both in adults and children, this drug needs to be started in small doses and then gradually increased for maximum effect.

In the case of using Tofranil (imipramine) in treating enuresis in children, the dosage depends on the child’s total body weight and should be taken just about an hour to bedtime. If the child usually wets the bed early in their sleep, the drug can be administered in small separate doses times and the last dose taken before bedtime.

Tofranil (Imipramine) Addiction

Like many other drugs, imipramine can be dangerous if misused. If a person starts taking high dosages of Tofranil for a long time, they may be unable to stop. The drug’s effect makes them crave it even when they don’t need it, and that can turn dangerous. In fact, the drug stops working well if taken for a long time.

If a patient experiences this, the best solution is to seek help from a center like The Recovery Village and start their therapy program to overcome the misuse disorder. Many people have succeeded in that.

The Importance of Aftercare

After a person with previous Tofranil misuse disorder finally breaks away from those shackles, it is important to keep them focused on their long-term goal of total control against any urges to take the drug if they don’t need it for medical purposes. A good aftercare program works to build the person’s will-power to overcome any temptation that may lead to a recurrence of the drug misuse disorder.

That way, they can safely and very confidently move on with their lives without the subliminal fear of backtracking into the disorder. For its part, The Recovery Village runs an effective aftercare program that has changed the lives of many. This is possible through the employment of qualified medical experts that supervise and plan the program according to each person’s needs.

If you or someone close to you has beaten drug misuse disorder, you can always call the nearest The Recovery Village center and book your first session in the aftercare program.

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Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.