Side Effects of Imipramine

Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant, available in generic form and under the brand name Tofranil. A prescription-only medication, two types are available, one to treat clinical depression in adults, and the other to prevent bedwetting in pediatric patients. Several side effects are possible, most which subside after a short time.

Gastrointestinal Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal side effects are common with imipramine. These include constipation or diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.

General Side Effects

• Other common side effects include decreased sex drive or erectile dysfunction, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, nightmares, ringing in the ears, unpleasant taste and weakness.

Serious Side Effects

• Serious but rare side effects associated with imipramine include muscle spasms, speech difficulties, uncontrollable tremors, fever, sore throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, jaundice and irregular heartbeat.

Black Box Warning

• Like other antidepressants, imipramine is required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to carry a black box warning. This warning addresses the increased risk of suicide in children and adolescents who take antidepressant medications.

Drug Interactions

• Imipramine interacts with numerous drugs, including alcohol, anticoagulants, cold medicine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, muscle relaxants, pain medication, tranquilizers, other antidepressants and many more.