Compare Anafranil vs. Tofranil

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Helps control obsessive or compulsive behaviors.

Anafranil (clomipramine) effectively treats obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but has potentially intolerable side effects.

Improves your mood and stops bedwetting in children.

Tofranil (imipramine hydrochloride) is one of the first choice medicines used to treat depression, but it can cause weight gain and sleepiness.

Upsides
  • Anafranil (clomipramine) can help with falling sleep.
  • Anafranil (clomipramine) has a lower risk of causing heart problems compared to other medications like it.
  • Safe to use by children.
  • Tofranil (imipramine hydrochloride) is part of the first choice of medicines used to treat depression.
  • Available in generic.
  • Tofranil (imipramine hydrochloride) is usually taken only once a day.
  • Available in 3 different strengths.
Downsides
  • Anafranil (clomipramine) is more likely to cause side effects than other medications for OCD.
  • Anafranil (clomipramine) can affect sexual performance for men.
  • It is not recommended for the elderly because it can cause fainting and falls.
  • Tofranil (imipramine hydrochloride) can lower your sex drive and cause more weight gain than other similar medicines for depression.
  • You might be more sensitive to the sun and have a higher risk for heat stroke while taking Tofranil (imipramine hydrochloride).
  • If you have a history of heart conditions, your symptoms might get worse with Tofranil (imipramine hydrochloride). Talk to your doctor to see if Tofranil (imipramine hydrochloride) is right for you.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$19.95
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Lowest price
$15.20
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Reviews
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Side effects
109possible side effects
  • Dry mouth
    84%
  • Sleepiness
    54%
  • Tremor
    54%
  • Dizziness
    54%
  • Headache
    52%
  • Constipation
    47%
  • Ejaculation failure
    42%
  • Fatigue
    39%
  • Nausea
    33%
  • Increased sweating
    28%
  • Insomnia
    25%
  • Upset stomach
    22%
  • Loss of appetite
    22%
  • Sex drive changes
    21%
  • Impotence
    20%
  • Nervousness
    18%
  • Weight increase
    18%
  • Abnormal vision
    18%
  • Sore throat
    14%
  • Urinary problems
    14%
  • Muscle contractions
    13%
  • Diarrhea
    13%
  • Joint pain
    13%
  • Abdominal pain
    13%
  • Runny nose
    12%
  • Menstrual cramps
    12%
  • Increased appetite
    11%
  • Burning/prickling skin sensation
    9%
  • Memory problems
    9%
  • Anxiety
    9%
  • Sleep disorder
    9%
  • Rash
    8%
  • Flushing
    8%
  • Changes in taste
    8%
  • Twitching
    7%
  • Vomiting
    7%
  • Memory impairment
    7%
  • Chest pain
    7%
  • Allergy
    7%
  • Weight decrease
    7%
  • Asthma attacks
    7%
  • Urinary retention
    7%
  • Itching of the skin
    6%
  • Gas
    6%
  • Changes in blood pressure
    6%
  • Stuffy nose
    6%
  • Coughing
    6%
  • Urinary tract infection
    6%
  • Ringing in the ears
    6%
  • Back pain
    6%
  • Impaired concentration
    5%
  • Depression
    5%
  • Tooth disorder
    5%
  • Hot flushes
    5%
  • Increased urination
    5%
  • Increased muscle tone
    4%
  • Fever
    4%
  • Palpitation
    4%
  • Fast heartbeat
    4%
  • Unusual milk production
    4%
  • Menstrual disorder
    4%
  • Pain
    4%
  • Ear infections
    4%
  • Changes in heartbeat
    4%
  • Psychosomatic disorder
    3%
  • Yawning
    3%
  • Confusion
    3%
  • Speech disorder
    3%
  • Abnormal dreaming
    3%
  • Agitation
    3%
  • Migraine
    3%
  • Excess tearing
    3%
  • Social detachment
    2%
  • Irritability
    2%
  • Mood swings
    2%
  • Skin irritation
    2%
  • Acne
    2%
  • Dry skin
    2%
  • Gastrointestinal disorder
    2%
  • Difficulty swallowing
    2%
  • Local swelling
    2%
  • Chills
    2%
  • Nose bleed
    2%
  • Painful urination
    2%
  • Bladder pain
    2%
  • Vaginal itching
    2%
  • Increased vaginal discharge
    2%
  • Breast enlargement
    2%
  • Pupil dilation
    2%
  • Thirst
    2%
  • Muscle twitching
    2%
  • Tingling or burning sensation
    2%
  • Hypertonia
    2%
  • Panic reaction
    2%
  • Aggressive reaction
    2%
  • Muscle weakness
    2%
  • Abnormal skin odor
    2%
  • Excessive burping
    2%
  • Sores around the mouth
    2%
  • Lack of energy
    2%
  • Bad breath
    2%
  • Fainting
    2%
  • Dyspnea
    2%
  • Laryngitis
    2%
  • Changes in pupils
    2%
  • Eyelid twitching
    2%
  • Eye allergies
    2%
  • Balance problems
    2%
  • Anemia
    2%
See more detailed side effects
The Tofranil (imipramine hydrochloride) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    • Age 24 years or younger
  • Serotonin syndrome
    • Antidepressants
    • Lithium
    • Triptans
    • St. John's wort
    • Fentanyl
    • Tramadol
    • MAO inhibitors
  • Seizures
    • History of seizure
    • Taking other medicines that increase seizure risk
    • Brain damage
    • Alcoholism
  • Withdrawal symptoms
    • Stopping Anafranil (clomipramine) suddenly
  • Low blood pressure
    • Age 65 years or older
  • Eye problems
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Higher risk of suicide
    • Under age 24
  • Possible bipolar disorder
  • Heart problems
    • History of heart disease
    • Overactive thyroid
  • Blood pressure changes
    • High blood pressure
  • Higher risk of seizures
    • History of seizures
  • Changes in metabolism
    • History of diabetes
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Anafranil (clomipramine)
Learn more about Tofranil (imipramine hydrochloride)