Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Tofranil sorted by most helpful. 
The following Patient Discussions have not been medically reviewed. See additional information.
I suffer from migraines and when my doctor gave this medication I was insulted because its main treatment is for depression. After a couple of weeks I was so grateful. Most of my migraines were brought on by anxiety and some depression. (I didn't want to accept that I was depressed because that meant my best friend really died) I'm now being weaned off which is scary because this medication helped me so much. I'm not as anxious, working through my depression, and have about 2migraines a month. If any of this sounds like you ask your doctor it could be a cure for you as it was for me. Published: March 22, 2008 ::
After years of depression and trying several newer antidepressants (that had bad side effects), I was prescribed Tofranil by my dr. I take a very low dose, but it is a "miracle" drug. I have my life back. Constipation is a side-effect, but it is controlled by an increase in fiber intake. Published: March 29, 2009 ::
This medication saved my life. Before I was very depressed and slept terribly throughout my entire life. I've been taking it for eight years now and have had no abnormal depression and I sleep through the night. My mother also has taken this medication for anxiety and it worked well for her as well. Published: October 09, 2008 ::
I took Tofranil MANY years ago. I was only 32 at the time. It worked SO well for me. Is it because I was so young and only treated my problems because of my husband dying and it was my HORRIBLE life experience. I was the total caretaker - kidney machine etc. etc. etc.Now I can't find anything to help me without feeling like a drug person with even more anxiety than then. Is it because I was so young and healthy or is it because I am now older - I am now 72 - that no one even talks about this anti-depressant.What was so different with this older anti-dpressant than these new ones? Is it because of their brain cell activities - was it my youth - what made that drug so much better than anything I can ever get today., What is it - was it my youth and my demanding life - or was it the ingredients in this drug. Please, some doctor explain to me so I can know if it was the right medicine for me cause I'm starting to try new ones. I HATE MEDICINE - but I am willing to ask "what happened" to me" when I thought I was being helped. I am a horrific person for pills - my doctors get SO angry with me that I stop taking even my necessary heart pills. Published: February 12, 2009 ::
This was the first medication I took. It seemed to work, but I had so many side effects, the medication developed into another stressor. Before this medication (and even before any medications) I slept well, no issues. After taking it, I had nightmares every single night causing me to wake 2, sometimes 3 times per night. Huge withdrawl symptoms when I came off it and I only had it for 1.5 months. Published: October 02, 2008 ::
I am taking this drug because I have had pain in my face everyday for 20 years. It is helping me quite well but I am having severe constipation to the point that I never feel like I have to go. Published: February 01, 2009 ::
This was the first antidepressent that I took 20 years ago when I was 13. It was hard core stuff with terrible side effects-- severe constipation that caused hemorrhoids (which is extremely embarrasing for a 13 yr. old), loss of concentration, and terrible insomnia. It is a very old school drug, one of the first classes of antidepressants. I am surprised they still prescribe this med. Published: December 30, 2008 ::
I have pain in my neck from an accident from years ago and I also have MS. My neurologist suggested this medication to help with both pain/sleep issues, but the side effects are AWFUL...ITCHING till I bleed!!! and dizziness and blurred vision. It helps with sleep,but I'm going to get off it ASAP and switch to something else!! Published: December 07, 2008 ::
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This has been my miracle drug. After twenty years of dealing with panic attacks and depression; this drug has finally helped me to overcome some of my biggest fears in life. About once every two years, the doctor ups my strength, but this drug has been a GODSEND!!! Published: January 05, 2008 ::