About trimipramine

Trimipramine belongs to a group of medicines called tricyclic antidepressants. It is prescribed for the treatment of depression.

The exact cause of depression is not known. It can develop for no apparent reason or it may be triggered by a life event such as a relationship problem, bereavement, or illness. Medicines like trimipramine can help to ease the symptoms caused by depression. Trimipramine is particularly helpful if you also have difficulty sleeping.

Before taking trimipramine

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking trimipramine it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have a thyroid problem.
• If you have liver problems.
• If you have epilepsy or sugar diabetes.
• If you are troubled by constipation which lasts several days.
• If you have any difficulties passing urine, or have had prostate trouble.
• If you have a heart disorder.
• If you have ever had a mental health problem (such as bipolar disorder or psychosis).
• If you have glaucoma (increased pressure in your eyes).
• If you have been told you have phaeochromocytoma (a tumour on your adrenal gland).
• If you have porphyria (this is a rare inherited blood disorder).
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines. This is especially important if you have recently taken a medicine for depression, known as a monoamine-oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take trimipramine

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The leaflet will give you more information about trimipramine and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking it.
• It is usual to take trimipramine once a day, at bedtime. Some doctors, however, may recommend smaller doses taken two or three times a day. Your doctor will tell you which is right for you and your dose will also be on the label of the pack to remind you.
• You can take trimipramine before or after meals.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if when you remember, it is nearly time for your next dose then leave out the forgotten dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.
• Take trimipramine exactly as your doctor has told you to. It can cause drowsiness so your doctor may advise you to take a smaller dose to begin with, and then to increase it gradually as your body gets used to the medicine.
• You may feel that trimipramine is not working for you straightaway. It can take a week or two after starting it before the effect begins to build up, and 4-6 weeks before you feel the full benefit. It is important that you do not stop taking it after a week or so, thinking it is not helping.
• While you feel depressed, you may have distressing thoughts and think about harming yourself or ending your life. If this happens, it is very important that you tell your doctor about this as soon as possible.
• If you drink alcohol, ask your doctor for advice. Your doctor is likely to recommend that you do not drink alcohol while you are on trimipramine, as it increases the risk of side-effects, such as feeling sleepy.
• A very few people who have taken trimipramine have found that their skin has become more sensitive to sunlight than usual. Avoid strong sunlight and sunbeds until you know how your skin reacts.
• There are several types of antidepressants. Each type works in a slightly different way. If you find that trimipramine does not suit you, then let your doctor know, as another may be found that does.
• Your doctor will ask you to carry on taking trimipramine even after you feel better. This is to help stop your depression from returning. It is normal for a course of treatment to last for around six months after your symptoms have eased.
• Continue to take trimipramine unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Stopping treatment suddenly can sometimes cause problems and your doctor may want you to reduce your dose gradually if this is necessary.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take. This is because a number of medicines can increase the risk of side-effects from trimipramine, including some painkillers and flu remedies which can be bought from pharmacies.
• If you have diabetes you may need to check your blood glucose more frequently. This is because trimipramine may affect the levels of sugar in your blood. Your doctor will advise you about this.
• If you are having any medical treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking this medicine.

Can trimipramine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store trimipramine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines