How Long Does Surmontil (Trimipramine) Stay In Your System?

The amount of time that Surmontil (trimipramine) stays in your system depends on a few factors. Genetics play a big part in how quickly Surmontil leaves the body as does liver and kidney function. On the low end, most of Surmontil will be out of the body after three days. On the other end of the spectrum, Surmontil can stay in a person’s system for up to ten days, though most of the drug is typically gone within a few days.

Surmontil is initially absorbed inside the gastrointestinal tract before metabolizing in the liver. The drug enters the bloodstream within two hours of ingestion and eventually leaves the body through urine.

Surmontil (Trimipramine) Prescription Facts

Surmontil falls into the category of tricyclic antidepressants and is prescribed to treat major depression. Tricyclic antidepressants have been around since the 1970s and work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Surmontil also works as a sedative and is usually prescribed in smaller doses (50 to 75 mg daily) to start before gradually increasing. Dosages may reach upwards of 300 mg a day.

Surmontil Interactions:

• Trimipramine enhances the effects of other stimulates and should not be taken in conjunction with alcohol, benzodiazepines — like Valium (diazepam), Ativan (lorazepam) and Ambien (zolpidem) — barbiturates or narcotics.
• Patients should avoid taking any monoamine oxidase inhibiting drugs (MAOIs), such as Marplan (isocarboxazid), Nardil (phenelzine), Parnate (tranylcypromine) and Matulane (procarbazine).
• Trimipramine can alter heart rhythm and should not be prescribed alongside any medications that affect heart rhythm, for example, Cordarone (amiodarone), Betapace (sotalol), quinidine and procainamide.
• Surmontil should not be taken if you are using other antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is recommended to wait at least five weeks after taking an SSRI before starting Surmontil therapy.

Surmontil (Trimipramine) Regulations

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) originally approved trimipramine back in 1979. Trimipramine (and other tricyclic antidepressants) is known to increase suicidal thoughts in patients, especially in children, adolescents and young adults. Adults over the age of 24 typically do not experience suicidal thoughts when taking trimipramine, but it is recommended that all patients be closely monitored during the first few weeks of drug therapy or whenever dosages are increased.

Most Commonly Abused Drugs Containing Surmontil (Trimipramine)

Trimipramine is available as a generic drug. Other drugs in the tricyclic family include Elavil (amitriptyline), Tofranil (imipramine), Pamelor (nortriptyline) and Norpramin (desipramine). These drugs work by increasing levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, though they have different active ingredients. Overdose of trimipramine is a serious problem and can easily lead to death, especially when it is mixed with other drugs, such as alcohol. Contact your doctor immediately if you suspect an overdose of trimipramine.

Because Surmontil affects chemicals in the brain, it is not recommended to quit the drug all at once. Abruptly stopping trimipramine can result in intense withdrawals that may last weeks. Gradually tapering off the drug can avoid these negative reactions and help the body adjust. Withdrawal symptoms include severe headaches, general malaise and flu-like symptoms.

How Surmontil (Trimipramine) Affects The Brain And Body

Surmontil works by inhibiting the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically norepinephrine and serotonin. These chemicals have been linked to both mood and emotions. By preventing the recycling of these chemicals, the body ends up producing more, which lightens mood and alters receptor sensitivity in the brain. Surmontil also contains sedative and antihistaminic properties.

Surmontil has a lot of known side effects, many of which are common among tricyclic antidepressants. These common side effects include:

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Sweating
• Dry mouth
• Sexual changes
• Urinating problems
• Changes in heart rhythm
• Weight gain
• Numbness
• Anxiety
• Depression
• High blood pressure

It is not known if trimipramine can negatively affect pregnancies. The FDA has placed Surmontil in the pregnancy category C. This means that animal studies have linked Surmontil to changes in the fetus, but there is not enough research to show a similar trend in humans. You should always consult with your doctor if you are taking trimipramine and become pregnant.

Half-Life Of Surmontil (Trimipramine)

Trimipramine has a half-life of about 23 hours. This means that most of the trimipramine leaves the body within a day or two, though trace amounts can be detected up to ten days after stopping. How quick trimipramine leaves the body depends on many factors, including genetics, liver and kidney function, metabolism, age and overall health.