Compare Elavil vs. Tofranil
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Improves mood.
Elavil (amitriptyline) regulates mood and treats nerve pain, but has more side effects than alternatives.
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3.3/ 5 average rating with 134 reviewsforElavil
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
- Elavil (amitriptyline) works well to treat nerve pain and is non-habit forming.
- 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
- Elavil (amitriptyline) has more bothersome side effects than other antidepressants.
- 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.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$4.00
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$16.81
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Reviews
134 reviews so far
53%
saidit'sworth it
36%
saiditworked well
25%
saidit'sa big hassle
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Side effects
The Elavil (amitriptyline) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
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
- Mania
- History of bipolar disorder
- At risk for bipolar disorder
- Heart problems
- History of cardiovascular disease
- Dizziness and falls
- Age 65 years or older
- Taking medicines to control blood pressure
- Dehydration
- Age 65 years or older
- 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