What Is Imipramine?

Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) used to treat depression and bedwetting in children, available as a generic and under the brand names Tofranil and Tofranil-PM.

Originally developed by Novartis and approved by the FDA in 1959, Imipramine was one of the first antidepressants ever brought to market. More than 60 years later, it remains a valuable treatment option for patients who haven't responded to newer medications or who need its unique pharmacological profile.

Imipramine is not a controlled substance and is widely available as an affordable generic medication.

What Is Imipramine Used For?

FDA-Approved Uses

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) — Imipramine is approved for the treatment of depression in adults. It's typically used when newer antidepressants like SSRIs haven't worked or aren't tolerated.
• Nocturnal Enuresis (Bedwetting) — Imipramine is FDA-approved for bedwetting in children aged 6 and older. It's one of the few medications specifically approved for this condition.

Off-Label Uses

Doctors also prescribe Imipramine for several conditions not listed on the official label:

• Panic disorder
• Chronic neuropathic pain
• ADHD
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety disorders
• Overactive bladder and urinary incontinence

How Is Imipramine Taken?

Imipramine comes in two formulations:

• Imipramine HCl tablets — Available in 10 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg strengths. Usually taken 1-3 times daily.
• Imipramine Pamoate capsules (Tofranil-PM) — Available in 75 mg, 100 mg, 125 mg, and 150 mg strengths. Designed to be taken once daily, usually at bedtime.

Typical Dosing

• Depression in adults: Starting dose of 75 mg/day, gradually increased to 150-200 mg/day. Maximum dose is 300 mg/day in severe cases.
• Bedwetting in children (age 6+): 25 mg at bedtime, up to 50-75 mg depending on age and response.
• Elderly patients: Start at 30-40 mg/day, with a maximum of 100 mg/day.

Important Instructions

• Take with or without food
• Swallow capsules whole — do not crush or chew
• Take at the same time each day for consistent blood levels
• Do not stop abruptly — taper gradually under your doctor's supervision to avoid withdrawal symptoms

For a plain-English explanation of how this medication works in your body, read our article on how Imipramine works.

Who Should Not Take Imipramine?

Imipramine is not safe for everyone. You should not take it if you:

• Have taken an MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days (risk of hypertensive crisis)
• Are in the acute recovery period after a heart attack
• Have a known allergy to Imipramine or other dibenzazepine compounds
• Are taking Linezolid or intravenous Methylene Blue

Use Imipramine with caution if you have:

• Heart disease or conduction abnormalities
• History of seizures
• Glaucoma (angle-closure type)
• Urinary retention
• Liver or kidney disease
• Bipolar disorder (risk of triggering manic episodes)

Imipramine is Pregnancy Category D — it poses risks to the fetus and should only be used during pregnancy when clearly needed. It passes into breast milk and is not recommended during breastfeeding.

For more on potential interactions, see our Imipramine drug interactions guide.

How Much Does Imipramine Cost?

Imipramine is one of the more affordable antidepressants available:

• Generic Imipramine HCl tablets (25 mg, 30 count): $25-$50 retail cash price
• With discount coupons (GoodRx, SingleCare): As low as $8-$16
• Imipramine Pamoate capsules: $90-$460 depending on strength and pharmacy

Most insurance plans cover generic Imipramine as a Tier 1 or Tier 2 medication, usually with no prior authorization required.

For detailed savings strategies, check out our guide to saving money on Imipramine.

Final Thoughts

Imipramine has been a reliable treatment option for over six decades. While newer antidepressants have taken center stage, Imipramine remains an important tool — especially for patients with treatment-resistant depression, chronic pain, or bedwetting in children.

It's affordable, widely covered by insurance, and available at most pharmacies. If you're having trouble finding it, Medfinder can help you locate a pharmacy with Imipramine in stock near you.

To learn more about side effects, read our Imipramine side effects guide.