provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content
Imipramine Hydrochloride Coupon - Imipramine Hydrochloride 50mg tablet

imipramine hydrochloride

Generic Tofranil
Used for Depression, Bed Wetting
Used for Depression, Bed Wetting

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on August 27, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Imipramine?

What is Imipramine used for?

  • Depression

  • Bedwetting in children (imipramine hydrochloride only)

How Imipramine works

Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). The exact way it works isn't known. For depression, imipramine is thought to work by raising the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine chemicals in your brain; these chemicals are involved with regulating mood. For bedwetting, the medication is thought to allow the bladder to hold more urine.

Are you looking for information on desipramine (Norpramin) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsTofranil (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassTricyclic antidepressant
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Imipramine essentials

Health: Class: GettyImages 1282217910

Zoloft, Wellbutrin, and More: Are Antidepressants Safe for Breastfeeding?

Written by Nidhi Gandhi, PharmD, BS
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$78.800
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Imipramine?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

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

Other Side Effects

In adults (with depression)
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Change in taste
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Sweating
  • Changes in blood pressure
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Mood changes
In children (with bedwetting problems)
  • Constipation
  • Anxiety
  • Fainting

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
  • Heart attack: chest pain, cold sweats, left arm pain, trouble breathing
  • Stroke: sudden numbness, weakness, confusion, trouble talking
  • Serious allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives, itching, fast heartbeat, tightness in the throat, dizziness, swelling in the face or tongue

Source: DailyMed

More on Imipramine side effects

Nubeqa: cropped portrait sad middle aged man-672278426

Can Antidepressants and Anti-Anxiety Drugs Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Written by Nathan Williams, PharmD, RYT

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Abdominal or stomach pain

agitation

blurred vision

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

chest pain or discomfort

clay-colored stools

cold sweats

confusion about identity, place, and time

continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears

cough or hoarseness

dark urine

decrease in the frequency of urination

difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

double vision

dry mouth

false beliefs that cannot be changed by facts

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

feeling, seeing, or hearing things that are not there

feeling that others are watching you or controlling your behavior

feeling that others can hear your thoughts

fever with or without chills

flushed, dry skin

general feeling of tiredness or weakness

hearing loss

hostility

hyperventilation

inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles

irritability

itching or rash

lack of coordination

lethargy

loss of balance control

lower back or side pain

mood or mental changes

muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities

muscle trembling, jerking, or stiffness

nightmares

pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck

painful or difficult urination

pinpoint red or purple spots on the skin

rapid weight gain

redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

restlessness

seizures

shakiness and unsteady walk

slow speech

sore throat

stiffness of the limbs

stupor

sweating

swelling of the face, ankles, legs, or hands

talking, feeling, and acting with excitement

trouble sleeping

twisting movements of the body

uncontrolled movements, especially of the face, neck, and back

unusual behavior

unusual tiredness or weakness

weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet

yellow eyes or skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Bluish color of fingernails, lips, skin, palms, or nail beds

cold, clammy skin

decreased awareness or responsiveness

difficult or troubled breathing

disorientation

fast, weak pulse

hallucinations

irregular, fast, slow, or shallow breathing

severe sleepiness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

Bigger, dilated, or enlarged pupils (black part of the eye)

black tongue

decreased interest or ability in sexual intercourse

difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)

enlargement of the breast

hives or welts

increase in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

increased sensitivity of the eyes to light

increased urge to urinate during the night

peculiar taste

redness or other discoloration of the skin

severe sunburn

swelling of the testicles

swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males

swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands on the side of the face or neck

unexpected or excess milk flow from the breasts

waking to urinate at night

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Imipramine

thumbs-up

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

thumbs-down

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

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Imipramine

pharmacist

  • You can take imipramine with or without food. But it can upset your stomach and sometimes cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Taking it with food can help lessen the severity of these side effects.

    • It can take up to 1 to 2 months to feel the full benefits of imipramine for your depression symptoms. It also might take some time to find the dose that works best for you. Make sure to keep taking the medication unless your provider specifically told you to stop taking it.

      • Don't change your dose or stop taking imipramine without talking to your provider first. Changing the dose can cause bothersome side effects or withdrawal symptoms like nausea, headache, and sleeping problems. Follow your provider's instructions to lower your dose slowly over a period of time to completely stop the medication.

        • Antidepressant medications like imipramine can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts. Contact your provider right away if you or your loved ones notice any new or worsening changes in your behavior or mood while taking the medication.

          • Imipramine can make you sleepy, dizzy, or have blurry vision. Don't drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how this medication affects you.

            • Dry mouth can happen with imipramine. Ways to help with dry mouth include drinking water, chewing sugar-free gum, and sucking on ice or sugar-free hard candies. Also, make sure to have good oral care by brushing your teeth and flossing every day.

              • Imipramine can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, which means you can get sunburned more easily. When you go outside, make sure that you're wearing sunscreen and protective clothing to avoid a serious sunburn.

                • If you have diabetes, ask your provider whether you need to check your blood sugar more often while you're using imipramine. This medication can cause your blood sugar to get too high or too low.

                  • Make sure to tell your providers about all of the medications you're taking. Don't start any new medications without talking to your provider first. It's important for your providers to check for drug interactions because imipramine can interact with a lot of common medications. Some medications that interact with imipramine and raise your risk for side effects include sedatives, opioid medications, antihistamines, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

                    faqs

                    Frequently asked questions about Imipramine

                    What's the difference between imipramine hydrochloride and imipramine pamoate?
                    Imipramine hydrochloride and imipramine pamoate are two different salt forms of imipramine. The imipramine pamoate salt form was designed so that the medication gets released a little slower and lasts longer than imipramine hydrochloride. Imipramine hydrochloride is a tablet that's approved for depression, as well as bedwetting at night in children. But imipramine pamoate comes in a capsule and is only approved for depression. The tablets and capsules are also available in different strengths.
                    How long does imipramine take to work for depression?
                    You might start to feel improvements in your depression symptoms after about 1 to 3 weeks of starting imipramine. But keep in mind that it generally takes about 1 to 2 months of treatment for you to get the full benefits from antidepressants, including imipramine. You might feel some side effects, like sleepiness, dry mouth, dizziness, and nausea, before feeling any benefit from the medication. So don't get discouraged and continue taking imipramine regularly. Don't stop taking imipramine without talking to your provider first because you might get bothersome withdrawal symptoms, such as movement, sleeping, or stomach problems. Speak with your provider if you're not sure whether imipramine is working for you.
                    What happens if you suddenly stop taking imipramine?
                    Suddenly stopping imipramine can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, headache, trouble sleeping, and anxiety or restlessness. Imipramine should be stopped slowly over time, especially if you've been taking a higher dose or have been taking the medication for a long time. Talk to your provider before you stop imipramine. They can create a safe plan for you to gradually lower your dose.
                    Can imipramine cause weight gain?
                    Yes, it's possible for imipramine to make you gain weight. But research isn't clear just how much weight you might gain. One study found that about 15% of people gained at least 10 pounds after at least 4 months of taking imipramine. But another study saw that people gained just about 1 to 4 pounds. The amount of weight you might gain can depend on your dose and how long you're taking the medication. To lower your risk for weight gain while taking imipramine, make sure to eat a healthy diet and follow a regular exercise routine. Contact your provider if you're uncomfortable with how much weight you've gained during treatment with imipramine. They can recommend more options to help you manage your weight or switch you to a different medication.
                    Does imipramine cause constipation?
                    Yes, it's possible for imipramine to make you constipated. It's not clear how common constipation from imipramine is. But you can lower your risk by eating a high-fiber diet and staying hydrated. If you become constipated, there are also several over-the-counter medications you can consider taking.
                    Does imipramine cause erectile dysfunction?
                    Possibly. Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine are known to potentially cause erectile dysfunction. Speak with your provider if this happens to you. You might need your imipramine dose lowered or you might consider trying a different antidepressant medication.
                    Is imipramine used for migraines?
                    Imipramine isn't FDA-approved for migraines. According to the 2021 migraine treatment guidelines by the American Headache Society, other tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline, might be helpful to use for preventing migraines. Studies specifically looking at imipramine show that it can help with lowering the severity of tension headaches, but more research is needed in this area. Talk with your provider if you have questions about imipramine and migraines.
                    Is imipramine good for anxiety?
                    Imipramine isn't FDA-approved for anxiety. But there's some research showing that imipramine can help with certain types of anxiety problems, like panic attacks or generalized anxiety disorder. Your provider might consider imipramine to treat anxiety when other first-choice medications aren't working well enough. Discuss with your provider about whether imipramine is right for you if you have anxiety.
                    GoodRxEducationalIcon

                    How to save using GoodRx

                    Compare Prices
                    1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
                    Select your free coupon
                    2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
                    Show coupon to your pharmacist
                    3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
                    Get free couponLearn more
                    warings-icon

                    What are the risks and warnings for Imipramine?

                    Imipramine can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                    risk-warning

                    Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior

                    • Risk factors: Age 24 years and younger | History of depression or other mental health conditions | Heavy alcohol use

                      Taking imipramine can make your depression worse and cause you to have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. The risk is highest if you're 24 years of age or younger, during the first few weeks of taking the medication, and when your dose changes. Get medical help right away if you or anyone around you notices that you have suicidal thoughts or unusual behavior (e.g., anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, feeling angry or irritated, restlessness) while you're taking imipramine.

                      risk-warning

                      Not for use alone in bipolar disorder

                      Depression can be the first sign of bipolar disorder. If you're at risk for bipolar disorder, taking antidepressants, like imipramine, by themselves can trigger a bipolar manic episode. Before starting imipramine, your provider will check to see whether you have or are at risk for bipolar disorder. Imipramine isn't used to treat bipolar depression. Talk to your provider right away if you or your loved ones notice unusual changes in your behavior, such as racing thoughts, restlessness, getting easily distracted, or unusual talkativeness.

                      risk-warning

                      Risk of heart problems, heart attack, or stroke

                      • Risk factors: History of heart problems | Taking high doses of imipramine

                        It's possible for imipramine to affect your heart rhythm and cause a fast or irregular heart beat (e.g., arrhythmia). In addition, some people taking medications like imipramine have had a heart attack or stroke during treatment. If you have any heart problems or had a stroke before, talk to your provider before starting imipramine to see whether this medication is right for you.

                        risk-warning

                        Glaucoma

                        • Risk factors: History of angle-closure glaucoma

                          Imipramine can lead to or worsen angle-closure glaucoma. You might need to see your optometrist regularly and get eye exams to check your eyes and make sure your vision isn't worsening. Contact your provider if you notice changes in your vision after starting imipramine.

                          risk-warning

                          Higher risk of falls

                          • Risk factors: Age 65 years or older | Low blood pressure | Taking medications that lower blood pressure | History of medical conditions that can lower blood pressure

                            Imipramine can make you feel tired. It can also lower your blood pressure, which can make you feel dizzy or lose your balance. These can all lead to accidental falls and injuries. When standing from a sitting or lying position, make sure to get up slowly and hold onto something. Contact your provider if you still feel dizzy after a couple weeks of starting the medication or experience a fall while taking imipramine. They might recommend that you switch to a different medication.

                            risk-warning

                            Seizures

                            • Risk factors: History of seizures | Taking high doses of imipramine

                              Imipramine might raise your risk for seizures, especially when it's used at higher doses. If you've had a seizure before, discuss with your provider to see whether imipramine is right for you.

                              dosage

                              Imipramine dosage forms

                              Typical dosing for Imipramine

                              The total daily dose is either split up into several smaller doses throughout the day or taken as a single dose before bedtime. Your provider will adjust your dosage based on how well it's helping your symptoms and whether you're having side effects.

                              Imipramine hydrochloride tablet

                              • Depression:

                                • Adults ages 18 to 64 years old: The typical starting dose is 75 mg to 100 mg by mouth daily.

                                • Adolescents and adults ages 65 years and older: The typical starting dose is 30 mg to 40 mg by mouth daily. Doses higher than 100 mg per day are generally not needed.

                              • Bedwetting at night:

                                • Children ages 6 years and older: The typical starting dose is 25 mg by mouth one hour before bedtime. Your provider might raise the dose to up to 75 mg, depending on your child's age and how well the medication works for them.

                              Imipramine pamoate capsule

                              • Depression:

                                • Adults ages 18 to 64 years old: The typical starting dose is 75 mg to 150 mg by mouth daily.

                                • Adolescents and adults ages 65 years and older: You typically first start treatment with imipramine hydrochloride tablets at a dose of 25 mg to 50 mg by mouth daily. Once the total daily dose gets raised to 75 mg or higher, then you can switch to imipramine pamoate capsules. Doses higher than 100 mg per day are generally not needed.

                              interactions

                              Interactions between Imipramine and other drugs

                              Imipramine may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Imipramine. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                              More on Imipramine interactions

                              Mediation education: grocery shopper looking at phone liquor aisle 506017988

                              Can I Drink Alcohol With Antidepressants Like Cymbalta or Amitriptyline?

                              Written by Kevin Le, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                              drug-cost

                              How much does Imipramine cost?

                              To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                              View prices & coupons
                              contraindications-icon

                              Imipramine contraindications

                              Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Imipramine will not be safe for you to take.

                              • Currently taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the last 14 days

                              • Recent heart attack

                              alternatives

                              What are alternatives to Imipramine?

                              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Imipramine. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                              Imipramine
                              Used for:

                              • Depression

                              • Bedwetting in children (imipramine hydrochloride only)

                              View Prices
                              Amitriptyline
                              Used for:

                              • Depression

                              $4.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                              Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
                              Used for:
                              $4.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                              images

                              Imipramine images

                              Green Round Gg And 42 - Imipramine Hydrochloride 50mg Tablet
                              This medicine is Green, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Gg" And "42".Green Round Gg And 42 - Imipramine Hydrochloride 50mg Tablet
                              Green Round Mp 79 - Imipramine Hydrochloride 50mg Tablet
                              This medicine is Green, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Mp 79".Green Round Mp 79 - Imipramine Hydrochloride 50mg Tablet
                              Green Round 56 And Par - Imipramine Hydrochloride 50mg Tablet
                              This medicine is Green, Round Tablet Imprinted With "56" And "Par".Green Round 56 And Par - Imipramine Hydrochloride 50mg Tablet
                              Green Round Ep 135 - Imipramine Hydrochloride 50mg Tablet
                              This medicine is Green, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Ep 135".Green Round Ep 135 - Imipramine Hydrochloride 50mg Tablet
                              Orange Round 427 And O - Imipramine Hydrochloride 50mg Tablet
                              This medicine is Orange, Round Tablet Imprinted With "427" And "O".Orange Round 427 And O - Imipramine Hydrochloride 50mg Tablet
                              Orange Round 427 And O - Imipramine Hydrochloride 50mg Tablet
                              This medicine is Orange, Round Tablet Imprinted With "427" And "O".Orange Round 427 And O - Imipramine Hydrochloride 50mg Tablet

                              Get savings updates for Imipramine

                              Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Imipramine and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                              By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

                              References

                              Best studies we found

                              Ailani, J., et al. (2021). The American Headache Society consensus statement: Update on integrating new migraine treatments into clinical practice. Headache.

                              Deshmukh, R., et al. (2003). Managing weight gain as a side effect of antidepressant therapy. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine.

                              Fayez, R., et al. (2023). Imipramine. StatPearls.

                              View All References (11)

                              Gupta, D., et al. (2018). Salts of therapeutic agents: chemical, physicochemical, and biological considerations. Molecules.

                              Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2023). Imipramine pamoate capsule [package insert]. DailyMed.

                              Moraczewski, J., et al. (2023). Tricyclic antidepressants. StatPearls.

                              Moret, C., et al. (2011). The importance of norepinephrine in depression. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment.

                              Mousavi, S. A., et al. (2011). Comparison between efficacy of imipramine and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the prophylaxis of chronic tension-type headache: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences.

                              National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.). Medications to treat bed-wetting.

                              Rickels, K., et al. (1993). Antidepressants for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. Archives of General Psychiatry.

                              Saeed, S. A., et al. (1998). Panic disorder: Effective treatment options. American Family Physician.

                              Santarsieri, D., et al. (2015). Antidepressant efficacy and side-effect burden: A quick guide for clinicians. Drugs in Context.

                              Strides Pharma Science Limited. (2023). Imipramine hydrochloride tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                              Wharton, S., et al. (2018). Medications that cause weight gain and alternatives in Canada: a narrative review. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity.

                              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
                              Was this page helpful?

                              Compare other Depression, Bed Wetting drugs

                              Elavil vs TofranilMaprotiline vs TofranilSilenor vs TofranilTofranil vs CymbaltaTofranil vs Desipramine
                              View More

                              Browse medications

                              View All

                              Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.