Trimipramine

No Comments

Trimipramine belongs to a group of medicines known as tricyclic antidepressants and is much like other medicines of this group. It also has anticholinergic properties. Trimipramine is used to treat depression, especially when the patient is experiencing difficulty sleeping and a loss of appetite. Neurotransmitters act as chemical messengers between the nerve cells. Serotonin, and noradrenaline are neurotransmitters and they have various functions. When serotonin and noradrenaline are released from nerve cells in the brain, they act to lighten mood. When reabsorbed into the nerve cells, they stop having an effect on mood.

Trimipramine works by preventing serotonin, and noradrenaline from being reabsorbed back into the nerve cells in the brain. This in turn helps prolong the mood lightening effect of any released noradrenaline and serotonin. In this way, trimipramine helps relieve depression.

Quick Guide

• Antidepressant danger of overdose – HIGH.
• Dependency is said to be – LOW.
• Prescription only drug – YES.
• Available as generic – NO. (generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without patent protection.
• Alcohol avoidance – YES.
• Alcohol can cause dangerous side effects when taken together with trimipramine.

Side Effects

You may if on this medication suffer one or more of these side effects, in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all, as it does not follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted adverse effects.

Common: Blurred Vision, Breast Swelling, Clumsiness, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Dizziness, Drowsiness, Dry Mouth, Headaches, Impotence, Loss Of Appetite, Nausea, Poor Appetite, Rash, Ringing In Ears, Sexual Problems, Vomiting, Weakness.
Rare: Confusion, Convulsions, Hallucinations, Abnormal Heart Rhythms, Easy Bruising Or Bleeding, Extreme Thirst With Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, and Weakness, Pounding/uneven Heart Rate, Sudden Numbness/weakness, Sweating, General Ill Feeling, Unusual Weakness, Blurred Vision, Speech and balance Problems.

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using trimipramine. It may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist.

Prolonged Use

During long-term treatment with this medicine your doctor may want to monitor your heart and liver function, and take blood tests to monitor the levels of blood cells in your blood. Inform your doctor if you experience symptoms such as a fever or sore throat, while you are taking this medicine. Please read the information provided with the medicine, or consult your doctor, or pharmacist for other possible effects.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

You need to avoid these activities until you know how trimipramine will affect you. This drug could be the cause of drowsiness, and blurred vision reducing your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. It is recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine because it may enhance drowsiness. If you must drink alcohol, drink only in moderation, and be aware of its effects on you.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

Safety in pregnancy has not been established, and the taking of trimipramine is not recommended, unless considered essential by your doctor. If you breast feed you will need to discuss this with your doctor, as the drug may pass into the breast milk.

Trimipramine is classified as a pregnancy Category C… Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Surgery

Discuss with your dentist, doctor or surgeon before you under-go any dental work/surgery. As trimipramine may need to be suspended for a little while. If you have a tooth extraction and you later suffer discomfort/pain do not take aspirin, use another pain-killer (e.g. paracetamol) this is because aspirin thins the blood and may interfere with the clotting process.

Tell Your Doctor Or Pharmasict

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary / alternative medication.

Over 60’s & Children

A reduced dose may be necessary for the over sixties, as there is an increased risk of adverse effects. This drug is not recommended for children.

Overdose

Never take more than the prescribed dose. Seek emergency medical attention if you think you or another person as overdosed on this medicine or go to your nearest accident and emergency department of your local hospital taking the container with you. Even if it is empty. An overdose of trimipramine can be fatal.

Other Medication Reactions

All drugs that have a sedative effect on the nervous system will more likely than not increase the the sedative properties of this drug. Trimipramine should not be taken along-side Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors. A two week period free from trimipramine should elapse before MAOI’s are administered. This would also apply in reverse before trimipramine is prescribed. Dangerously high blood pressure has resulted from the combination of tricyclic antidepressants, such as trimipramine, and members of another class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI’s).

The level of trimipramine in the blood may be decreased by the following medicines, and these could make it less effective: barbiturates such as phenobarbital and rifampicin. Other drugs that enhance serotonin activity in the brain if taken with trimipramine such as rasagiline, lithium, sibutramine, SSRI antidepressants, SNRI antidepressants may increase the risk of adverse effects Trimipramine may alter anti-blood-clotting effect of anticoagulant medicines such as warfarin. Your blood clotting time should be carefully monitored if you are taking these two medicines together.

Missed A Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Ideally you would have already checked with your doctor. Failing this ring the surgery, or check next time you see your doctor.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

Take trimipramine exactly as directed by your doctor, an abrupt stop in taking this medication after prolonged treatment may cause nausea, headache, malaise, vomiting, loss of appetite, headache, giddiness, chills, and insomnia. There may well be others, depending on your individual situation. Gradual reduction of dosage should be given so as to reduce the possibility of adverse effects. Be guided by your doctors advice if you are looking to withdraw to a lower dosage.

Effect Of Medication

This medicine starts working in 7 to 10 days, but it may take between two to four weeks for it to have its full effect. It is very important that you keep taking it, even if it feels to you like the medication has had no initial effect.

Storage and Safety

• Keep trimipramine in its original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach and eye sight of children.
• Do not store medication above a temperature of 25°C.
• Never take more than the original dosage prescribed by your doctor.
• Never take trimipramine if it has past the expiry date shown on the box or container.
• Do not discard old or unwanted drugs into your trash, sink or toilet.
• Return all unused or old medicines/drugs to your pharmacist. who will dispose of them safely.

If trimipramine has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or others feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.