Trimipramine: Uses And Side Effects Of This Antidepressant
Trimipramine is a drug that is used mainly to treat depressive states, although it is also prescribed in the case of sleep and anxiety disorders, as well as in some psychosomatic disorders. Due to its high risk of generating adverse effects, this drug is usually prescribed with strict medical supervision.
Next we will see what trimipramine is what it is for, what its possible adverse effects are and how it is marketed.
Trimipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant that has sedative and anticholinergic properties The latter act both centrally and peripherally in the nervous system. Its mechanism of action is not completely known, but it is chemically related to another tricyclic type drug called imipramine.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants are two of the first to be used in psychopharmacology. These are drugs that prevent the reuptake of serotonin, and sometimes norepinephrine, in the synaptic space, which produces a high concentration of these neurotransmitters and a reduction in some symptoms of depression
Trimipramine is mainly used to treat depressive states, whether mild or severe. But it is also used for the treatment of psychosomatic disorders that have a depressive background, as well as for anxiety states and sleep disturbances. The improvement associated with this drug generally occurs after the first few weeks, or sometimes a little longer, after starting treatment.
At the same time, that is, during the first phases of recovery, the risk of suicide that often accompanies depression can increase Therefore, it is recommended to closely accompany the person until the first signs of improvement occur.
In fact, until recently, tricyclic and tetracyclic drugs were among the most widely used antidepressants. However, since they have a non-specific mechanism of action, these drugs usually affect other substances important to the body (such as acetylcholine, histamine and dopamine). This increases the probability of suffering adverse effects, as well as mortality due to overdose, which is why its prescription has been reduced.
Route of administration and recommended dose
The trade name for trimipramine is Surmontil and It is sold in tablets containing 35 mg of trimipramine maleate which is equivalent to 25 mg of the active ingredient.
Surmontil is administered orally, and if prescribed to treat minor depression, psychosomatic states, or sleep and anxiety disorders, It is usually administered as a single dose between 12.5 mg and 50 mg, usually at night. On the other hand, in the case of severe depression, taking 300 mg to 400 mg per day in 2 to 3 doses is generally recommended. Its validity period is 5 years and it is advisable to store it at a temperature that does not exceed 25º.
Likewise, when it becomes necessary to reduce doses, the general recommendation is to do so progressively and monitor the risk of deprivation syndrome.
Possible side effects
As with other tricyclic antidepressant drugs, the adverse effects that trimipramine generates are the following:
Contraindications and interaction with other substances
Trimipramine is contraindicated in children under 12 years of age and in people who have a history of suicidal ideation and attempts. Likewise, trimipramine has the risk of causing liver and kidney failure.
It should not be mixed with MAOI antidepressant drugs, nor be administered in periods close to the last intake of these. Likewise, mixing trimipramine with SSRI-type antidepressant drugs, such as fluoxetine and fluvoxamine, increases the risk of toxicity.
The sedative effect of this medication is enhanced when it is mixed with sedatives, morphine derivatives, barbiturates, antihistamines, anxiolytics, methadone, clonidine and hypnotics. The same happens if this drug is mixed with alcoholic beverages. There is also a risk of generalized seizures. if this drug is mixed with anti-seizure medications
Due to the possibility of its excretion in breast milk, it is not advisable to use this drug during breastfeeding. There is also the possibility of secretary through the placenta, so It is not recommended to use it during pregnancy
Likewise, as with other psychoactive medications, this antidepressant can alter some physical and psychological faculties, so it is recommended to take precautions when driving or operating heavy machinery.
