Key takeaways
Imipramine (Tofranil) and sertraline (Zoloft) are both used to treat depression, but they belong to different classes of medications. Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that also helps with bedwetting in children, while sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that treats various mental health conditions, including depression, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Imipramine is available only in generic form, whereas sertraline is available as both a brand name (Zoloft) and a generic. Imipramine can cause side effects like sleepiness, dizziness, and dry mouth, and it may take 1 to 2 months to feel its full benefits. Sertraline, on the other hand, can cause nausea, diarrhea, and difficulty sleeping, and it may also take up to 2 months to feel its full effects. Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly and have a risk of worsening depression and suicidal thoughts, especially in younger individuals. However, sertraline is less likely to cause weight gain compared to imipramine.
