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Compare Tofranil vs. Effexor XR

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

Key takeaways

Imipramine (Tofranil) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are both used to treat depression, but they belong to different medication classes. Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that also helps with bedwetting in children, while venlafaxine is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that treats depression, anxiety, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Imipramine is available only in generic form, whereas venlafaxine is available as both a brand (Effexor) and generic. Imipramine can cause many side effects like sleepiness, dizziness, and dry mouth, and it may take 1 to 2 months to feel its full benefits. Venlafaxine, on the other hand, can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly and may take up to 6 to 8 weeks to show full effects. Both medications can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, especially in people aged 24 years or younger. However, venlafaxine is more likely to cause blood pressure changes and has a higher risk of withdrawal symptoms compared to imipramine.

Imipramine
Venlafaxine
Imipramine
Venlafaxine
Summary of Tofranil vs. Effexor XR
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 SNRI
Prescription only
Venlafaxine is an antidepressant used to treat mental health conditions like depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. It comes in two forms: extended-release, which is taken once a day, and immediate-release, which is taken in split doses throughout the day. This medication can interact with many things, including other medications and alcohol. Possible side effects can include nausea, weight changes, and sexual problems. It can also cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly.
Indications of Tofranil vs. Effexor XR
Indications for

•Depression

•Bedwetting in children (imipramine hydrochloride only)

Indications for

•Depression

•Generalized anxiety disorder - extended-release capsules only

•Social anxiety disorder - extended-release capsules and tablets only

•Panic disorder - extended-release capsules only
Pros and Cons of Tofranil vs. Effexor XR
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 SNRI
Pros

•Can treat multiple mental health conditions

•Affects two chemicals in the brain that impact your mood

•Lower risk of weight gain compared to other antidepressants

•Comes in both immediate-release and extended-release versions

Cons

•Might raise your blood pressure, especially at higher doses

•Interacts with many medications

•Can take up to 4 to 8 weeks before you feel the full effect

•High risk of causing withdrawal symptoms if suddenly stopped
Common Side Effects of Tofranil vs. Effexor XR
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
Extended-release:

•Nausea (29-31%)

•Trouble sleeping (17-23%)

•Dizziness (16-20%)

•Loss of appetite (10-20%)

•Drowsiness (15-17%)

•Dry mouth (12-17%)

•Abnormal ejaculation (10-16%)

•Sweating (11-14%)

•Weakness (8-13%)

Immediate-release:

•Nausea (37%)

•Headache (25%)

•Drowsiness (23%)

•Dry mouth (22%)

•Dizziness (19%)

•Trouble sleeping (18%)

•Constipation (15%)

•Nervousness (13%)

•Weakness (12%)

•Sweating (12%)

•Abnormal ejaculation (12%)

•Loss of appetite (11%)
Warnings of Tofranil vs. Effexor XR
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

•Suicidal thoughts and behavior

•Serotonin syndrome

•High blood pressure

•Higher bleeding risk

•Mania

•Glaucoma

•Withdrawal

•Seizures

•Low sodium levels

•Lung problems and pneumonia

•Sexual problems
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Compare Tofranil vs. Effexor XR

Key takeaways

Summary of Tofranil vs. Effexor XR

Indications of Tofranil vs. Effexor XR

Pros and Cons of Tofranil vs. Effexor XR

Common Side Effects of Tofranil vs. Effexor XR

Warnings of Tofranil vs. Effexor XR

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