Anafranil and Tofranil are both used to treat depression, and both belong to the tricyclic antidepressant class (TCAs). However, they differ in the active ingredient they contain, leading to differences in effectiveness and potential side effects, particularly regarding their effects on different neurotransmitters.
Anafranil Tablets Ingredients
Anafranil tablets contain the active ingredient clomipramine. Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant with a strong effect on the serotonin system. Although it also affects norepinephrine, its effect on serotonin reuptake is much stronger than that of many other tricyclic antidepressants. Clomipramine is particularly used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Tofranil Tablets Ingredients
Tofranil tablets contain the active ingredient imipramine. Imipramine is also a tricyclic antidepressant, but it tends to have a more balanced effect on serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. Imipramine is primarily used to treat depression and may also be used for other conditions, such as bedwetting in children (under close medical supervision).
About Anafranil Tablets
Drug Class: Antidepressants
Drug Classification: Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
Pharmaceutical Form: Coated Tablets
Pharmaceutical Family: Central Nervous System Drugs
Active Ingredient: Clomipramine
About Tofranil Tablets
Drug Class: Antidepressants
Drug Classification: Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
Pharmaceutical Form: Coated Tablets
Pharmaceutical Family: Central Nervous System Drugs
Active Ingredient: Imipramine
Scientific Degree: Pharmacist
Country: Egypt
Dr. Rawan Mosaad El-Saeed is a clinical pharmacist and medical content reviewer holding a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Horus University in Egypt. She has hands-on community pharmacy experience in providing medication therapy counseling, monitoring drug-drug interactions, and ensuring patient adherence to safe usage protocols. She specializes in authoring and fact-checking pharmaceutical guides and simplifying clinical pharmacology based on the latest evidence-based guidelines and internationally accredited references, dedicated to delivering accurate, reliable, and safe healthcare information for readers.
Published Date: 23 April 2025
Source 1 :
Drugs Clomipramine
Source 2 :
Drugs Imipramine
you should ask your doctor before taking this medicine