MedlinePlus Drug Information: Trimipramine

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Other drug names:	A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9

Trimipramine

(trye mi' pra meen)

Brand name(s): Surmontil

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow?	What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? In case of emergency/overdose What other information should I know?

Why is this medication prescribed?

Trimipramine is used to treat depression. Trimipramine is in a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants (mood elevators). It works by increasing the amount of certain natural substances in the brain.

How should this medicine be used?

Trimipramine comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken one to three times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take trimipramine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor will start you on a low dose of trimipramine and gradually increase your dose.

It may take up to 4 weeks before you feel the benefit of trimipramine. Continue to take trimipramine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking trimipramine without talking to your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine

Trimipramine also is used sometimes to treat ulcers. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking trimipramine,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to trimipramine, clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), or any other medications.
do not take trimipramine if you are taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, including phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate). You must wait at least 2 weeks after stopping to take MAO inibitors before starting to take trimipramine.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: cimetidine (Tagamet); decongestants; guanethidine (Ismelin); ipratropium (Atrovent); medications for irritable bowel disease, motion sickness, Parkinson's disease, ulcers, or urinary problems; medications for irregular heartbeats such as quinidine (Quinidex), flecainide (Tambocor), and propafenone (Rythmol); other antidepressants; and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft), even if you have stopped taking them within the past 5 weeks. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
tell your doctor if you have recently had a heart attack and if you have or have ever had glaucoma, urinary retention (benign prostatic hypertrophy), thyroid disease, seizures, or heart, kidney, or liver disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking trimipramine, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking trimipramine.
you should know that trimipramine may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication.
plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Trimipramine may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Trimipramine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

upset stomach
vomiting
diarrhea
stomach pain
drowsiness
weakness or tiredness
excitement or anxiety
confusion
dizziness
headache
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
nightmares
dry mouth
changes in appetite or weight
constipation
difficulty urinating
frequent urination
blurred vision
changes in sex drive or ability
excessive sweating
ringing in the ears
painful, burning, or tingling feeling in the hands or feet

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms
slow or difficult speech
shuffling walk
persistent fine tremor or inability to sit still
fever and sore throat
difficulty breathing or swallowing
severe skin rash
yellowing of the skin or eyes
seizures
seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating)
chest pain
pounding or irregular heartbeat

Trimipramine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer