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Compare Tofranil vs. Desipramine

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

Key takeaways

Imipramine (Tofranil) and desipramine (Norpramin) are both tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) used to treat depression, but they have some differences. Imipramine is available in two forms: imipramine hydrochloride and imipramine pamoate, while desipramine is available as desipramine hydrochloride. Imipramine can also be used to treat bedwetting in children, whereas desipramine is only approved for depression. The typical dosage for imipramine varies based on the form and the condition being treated, while desipramine is usually taken once daily. Both medications can cause side effects like sleepiness, dizziness, and weight gain, but desipramine has a higher risk of causing serotonin syndrome. Both medications can also cause severe withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly. Both medications are not first-choice options for depression due to their side effects and are available as lower-cost generics.

  • Imipramine
    Desipramine (Norpramin)
  • Imipramine
    Desipramine (Norpramin)

  • Summary of Tofranil vs. Desipramine

    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.

    Summary for Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)
    Prescription only

    Desipramine (Norpramin) is an tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). It's FDA-approved to treat depression in adults, but it's not a first-choice medication for this condition. Desipramine (Norpramin) is taken by mouth, typically once per day. Side effects of this medication include sleepiness, confusion, and weight gain. It's best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking desipramine (Norpramin) because doing so can worsen side effects.

  • Indications of Tofranil vs. Desipramine

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

  • Pros and Cons of Tofranil vs. Desipramine

    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
    Pros and Const for Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Comes in many different strengths, which makes dose adjustments easier
    •Can be taken just once a day
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice treatment option because of side effects
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms, like headache and nausea, if you suddenly stop taking it
    •Can raise risk of suicidal thinking in children, teens, and young adults

  • Common Side Effects of Tofranil vs. Desipramine

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth
    •Blurry vision
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Confusion
    •Anxiety
    •Restlessness

  • Warnings of Tofranil vs. Desipramine

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Tofranil vs. Desipramine

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