Imipramine Side Effects: What You Need to Know Before Taking It
When you’re prescribed imipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat depression, anxiety, and bedwetting in children. Also known as Tofranil, it works by balancing brain chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine. But like all medications, it doesn’t come without risks. Many people start imipramine hoping for relief, only to be caught off guard by side effects that feel worse than the symptoms they’re trying to fix.
Common imipramine side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, blurred vision, constipation, and weight gain. These aren’t rare—they happen in up to 30% of users. More serious ones, like rapid heartbeat, confusion, or trouble urinating, need immediate attention. If you’re over 65, you’re at higher risk for falls due to dizziness or low blood pressure. People with heart problems, glaucoma, or an enlarged prostate should talk to their doctor before starting. And if you’ve ever had a seizure or liver disease, imipramine might not be the right choice. It also interacts with other meds—like MAO inhibitors, SSRIs, or even some OTC cold pills—that can spike serotonin levels dangerously high. That’s called serotonin syndrome, and it’s life-threatening.
Some side effects show up slowly. You might feel more anxious or have trouble sleeping in the first few weeks. That’s normal for many antidepressants, but if it gets worse, don’t wait. Talk to your provider. Stopping imipramine cold turkey can cause withdrawal—headaches, nausea, mood swings, even flu-like symptoms. Tapering off under medical supervision makes all the difference. And don’t assume it’s safe just because it’s been around for decades. Older drugs like this aren’t always the best fit today, especially with newer options that have fewer side effects.
What you’ll find below are real comparisons and deep dives from people who’ve been through it. You’ll see how imipramine stacks up against other antidepressants, what side effects show up most often in practice, and how to manage them without giving up on treatment. No theory. No fluff. Just what works—and what doesn’t.
Daniel Whittaker
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