Imipramine is also known by the name of Tofranil. According to the Internet Drug Index, it is available in 10, 25 and 50 mg tablets, and the dose of imipramine depends on what it is prescribed for and the age and physical condition of the patient taking it. Imipramine has a limited number of uses.
Depression Treatment
The most-prescribed use for imipramine is for depression. It is believed to work by blocking the re-absorption of neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine, by the cells. When neurotransmitters are blocked, their levels in the brain increase, which increases transmissions of nerve responses and improves mood. It is a strong antidepressant, and according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, it can alleviate endogenous depression, which is a severe form of depression with no obvious cause, except a possible genetic link.
Childhood Enuresis
Childhood enuresis is another name for bed-wetting. While bed-wetting often resolves on its own, imipramine is sometimes prescribed to treat it. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHSP) states that it is not known exactly how imipramine treats bed-wetting. Imipramine is a tri-cyclic antidepressant, and it has been shown to have the ability to relax the bladder and decrease the urge to urinate. It could also be the fact that in some cases, bed-wetting brings with it a sense of shame, guilt and low self-esteem, and the action of imipramine in treating depression may also alleviate these emotions in the bed-wetter. Imipramine is not recommended for children under 6 years of age.
Other Uses
The Physician's Desktop Reference reports that imipramine, or Tofranil, is also used on a short-term basis for the treatment of behavioral disorders such as ADHD. This is because it can block the re-absorption of norepinephrine, which has a part in the brain's attention regulation system.
It can also be used to treat diseases that cause pain, such as interstitial cystitis (IC). The Interstitial Cystitis Association explains that IC sufferers experience severe pelvic pain and discomfort in the pelvic region. As mentioned above, imipramine relaxes the bladder and reduces bladder contractions, which reduces bladder pain. Also, by blocking some of the brain's neurotransmitters, imipramine can help the brain ignore pain signals.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists reports that imipramine is also sometimes prescribed for the treatment of eating disorders and panic or anxiety disorders.
Precautions
While imipramine is effective in treating the above-listed conditions, its use comes with a strong warning label. The FDA requires the makers of imipramine (Tofranil) and other antidepressants to place warnings on their products that their use can cause suicidality, which is a condition in which there is an increase in suicidal thoughts and behavior. Lesser side effects of imipramine are sleep disturbances and gastrointestinal distress.
