Tofranil vs Imipramine...has anyone noticed a difference?

[pitypatt]

I took Tofranil (the brand name med) 100 mg for panic disorder from 1994 to 2004 and always responded well to it. I was switched to Lexapro in 2004, due to wanting to attempt a pregnancy. I took the Lexapro for 5-6 years, but it eventually became ineffective at blocking my panic.

The doctor switched me back to Imipramine (because Tofranil brand name is so expensive) and since I've begun taking it I notice many side effects I never experienced while taking the brand name med. I've taken it, gradually increasing the dosage over the last 5 weeks & have noticed serious insomnia & episodes of agitation. I don't remember having these when I took it before.

Is it possible that the generic causes different side effects? Or, can a person become intolerant of a drug, even if they've had a good response to it in the past? Also, does anyone know why brand name Tofranil is so expensive? Most meds decrease in price after their generic counterpart is released. Thanks in advance to anyone who responds.

[Beautiful63]

My experience with generic imipramine was horrible. 10mg. Couldn't sleep for 2 days. Odd pains. Took me hours researching to figure out who manufactures brand tofranil (Mallinckrodt) Many medical distributors buy from them to sell to pharmacies So we tofranil lovers can still get it!!!!!! Took away debilitating depression in 1 day. Do cause some insomnia so wouldn't take at night.

[Beautiful63]

Heck yes there is a big difference! The generic imipramine is garbage. Luckily my insurance will pay for most of the cost for brand name tofranil. Otherwise it is around $600 for 30 pills. It is very much still available and the manufacture is Mallinckrodt. They have great cust service and if you can get assistance with the cost if you qualify.

[pitypatt]

Thank you, Ryan, for responding to my post. It makes since that Tofranil would be considered an "orphan drug," since not many people take tricyclics any more. Personally, I think tricyclics might be more effective (and stay effective longer) than SSRI's.

In my case, I did not switch from Lexapro to Tofranil quickly; I titrated down on the Lexapro to 2.5 mg/day and then began the Tofranil. I am concerned that hormone issues might also be contributing to my insomnia (I think I might be perimenopausal). I stopped the Lexapro b/c I thought it was causing insomnia, but--surprise, surprise--after switching to something else, my sleeplessness has reemerged.

In any case, I will speak to my doctor about switching me to imipramine pamoate, if these side effects don't go away. I have been taking diphenhydramine and/or melatonin to help me sleep & these seem to work reasonably well. I am due to see my MD in about 2 weeks & will review options with her.

Thanks again for the feedback!