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Compare Maprotiline vs. Tofranil

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Maprotiline and imipramine are both medications used to treat depression, but they belong to different classes. Maprotiline was a tetracyclic antidepressant, but is no longer available in the U.S. Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). Imipramine has an additional FDA-approved use for treating bedwetting in children, Imipramine comes in two forms: imipramine hydrochloride tablets and imipramine pamoate capsules, with dosing adjusted based on age and condition. Common side effects of imipramine include dry mouth, dizziness, and weight changes. Imipramine has significant drug interactions, especially with sedatives and MAOIs, and carries risks like suicidal thoughts and heart problems.

  • Maprotiline
    Imipramine
  • Maprotiline
    Imipramine

  • Summary of Maprotiline vs. Tofranil

    Summary for Tetracyclic antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Maprotiline is an antidepressant used to treat depression and anxiety associated with depression. It's no longer available in the United States because it was discontinued.

    Summary for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Imipramine is a medication that's used to treat depression. It can also temporarily help with bedwetting in children at night. Imipramine belongs to a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). There are two different forms of the medication: imipramine hydrochloride and imipramine pamoate. They used to be available under the brand name Tofranil but are now only sold as generic versions. The dosage generally depends on why you need imipramine, how severe your symptoms are, and your age. It's generally not a first-choice option because it can cause a lot of side effects, like sleepiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and changes in weight.

  • Indications of Maprotiline vs. Tofranil

    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Anxiety from depression
    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Bedwetting in children (imipramine hydrochloride only)

  • Pros and Cons of Maprotiline vs. Tofranil

    Pros and Const for Tetracyclic antidepressant
    Pros
    Cons
    Pros and Const for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Can take with or without food
    •Dose can be adjusted by your provider based on how well the medication is working for you
    •For bedwetting, only needs to be taken right before bedtime
    Cons
    •Can cause a lot of side effects, including blurry vision, dry mouth, and eye pain
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it too suddenly after long-term use
    •Has a risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Not a good option for people with a history of heart problems

  • Common Side Effects of Maprotiline vs. Tofranil

    Common Side Effects for
    Common Side Effects for

    In adults (with depression)

    •Dry mouth
    •Blurry vision
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Confusion
    •Anxiety
    •Restlessness

    In children (with bedwetting problems)

    •Nervousness
    •Sleep problems
    •Tiredness
    •Stomach upset

  • Warnings of Maprotiline vs. Tofranil

    Common Side Effects for
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
    •Risk of heart problems, heart attack, or stroke
    •Glaucoma
    •Higher risk of falls
    •Seizures

  • Prices with our coupons for Maprotiline vs. Tofranil

    Learn more about Maprotiline
    Learn more about Imipramine

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