Tofranil PM Uses (Cont.)

How Tofranil PM Works

Tofranil PM belongs to a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants. It is not entirely clear how Tofranil PM works. However, it is known that Tofranil PM affects several chemicals in the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. It is thought that perhaps Tofranil PM allows these chemicals to stay in the brain longer, which can help with depression symptoms.
 

Tofranil PM Uses in Children and Teens

Tofranil PM is not recommended for treating depression in people under 18 years old, as it has not been thoroughly studied for the treatment of teenage or childhood depression. Talk with your healthcare provider about using Tofranil PM in children or teenagers.
 

Off-Label Tofranil PM Uses

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend Tofranil PM for treating something other than depression. This is called an "off-label" use. At this time, there are several off-label Tofranil PM uses. Some of the conditions that can be treated off-label with Tofranil PM include:
 
  • Chronic pain: Tofranil PM works best for chronic pain that is nerve-related, such as nerve pain from having shingles (including postherpetic neuralgia).
     
  • Anxiety disorders: Many antidepressants (including Tofranil PM) are used to treat anxiety disorders.
     
  • Incontinence: Tofranil PM is sometimes used to treat problems associated with bladder control in adults.
     
  • Bedwetting: Tofranil PM can help children stop bedwetting.
     
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Tofranil PM can be used to treat ADHD, especially if other ADHD medications prove ineffective or cause side effects.
     
  • Fibromyalgia: Tofranil PM has been used to treat pain and other symptoms of fibromyalgia.
     
  • Migraine headaches: Tofranil PM can be used on a daily basis to prevent migraine headaches. It is not effective for treating a migraine headache once it starts.
     
  • Bulimia: Tofranil PM has been found to improve bulimia symptoms, including binge eating and vomiting.
     
  • Smoking: Tofranil PM is sometimes used to help people quit smoking.

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;