Before taking trimipramine

Before taking trimipramine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you take medication for thyroid problems.
• If you have recently suffered a heart attack, or have experienced any other heart trouble.
• If you have mood swings or any mental health problems.
• If you have liver problems.
• If you have phaeochromocytoma (a growth on the adrenal glands).
• If you have porphyria (a blood disorder).
• If you have epilepsy.
• If you have experienced difficulty passing water, or had prostate trouble.
• If you have glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye).
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines. This is especially important if you have taken a treatment for depression, known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), recently.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take trimipramine

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take your doses exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Try to take trimipramine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

• It can take a few weeks to notice improvement in your depression - do not stop taking trimipramine in the belief that it is not working.
• Your doctor may ask you to carry on taking trimipramine after you feel better - this is to help stop your depression from returning.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are taking trimipramine. Alcohol will increase feelings of drowsiness.
• Try and tell people who are close to you how you feel. It is not weak to cry or admit that you are struggling.
• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
• Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can trimipramine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

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

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Surmontil® 10 mg & 25 mg tablets, Sanofi-aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated April 2009, accessed November 2009.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Surmontil® capsules, Sanofi-aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated April 2009, accessed November 2009.
• British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.