What it means
An older antidepressant that raises norepinephrine and serotonin. It is used for depression and, short term, for bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis) in children aged 6 and older. It has strong anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision), causes drowsiness and low blood pressure on standing, and an overdose can cause deadly heart rhythms and seizures.
For the nurse
Give it at bedtime. Assess suicide risk and give only limited amounts at a time to clients at risk, since overdose is very dangerous. Teach the client to rise slowly. The Beers Criteria advise avoiding it in older adults.
At a glance
| Drug class | antidepressant (tricyclic) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Tofranil, Tofranil-PM |
| Also written | Tofranil, Tofranil-PM |
Related terms
urinary retention
Being unable to empty the bladder completely, or at all.
mirtazapine
An antidepressant taken at bedtime that often causes sleepiness and increased appetite.
phenelzine
A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant taken by mouth.
doxepin
A tricyclic drug used at regular doses for depression and anxiety, at low doses for insomnia and as a cream for itching.