Surmontil (Trimipramine) Addiction & Abuse

What Is Surmontil (Trimipramine)?

Surmontil (trimipramine) is an antidepressant medication that is used in the treatment of major depression. Trimipramine belongs to a class of medications collectively known as tricyclic antidepressants. Surmontil works by inhibiting the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters (norepinephrine and serotonin) that affect mood and emotions. This causes the body to generate higher levels of these chemicals, which in turn helps treat depression. Although antidepressants like Surmontil are effective against depression, they are known to cause several side effects, including:

• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts
• Sweating
• Sexual changes
• Weight gain
• Heart rhythm issues

How Is Surmontil (Trimipramine) Used?

Surmontil is mainly used to treat depression, though it also works as a sedative in certain situations. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) originally approved the use of trimipramine in 1982 in the form of oral capsules. The drug dosage usually starts around 25 to 50 mg before gradually increasing. Some individuals are prescribed dosages as high as 150 mg a day, though exceeding 200 mg is not recommended.

Trimipramine is metabolized in the liver and enters the blood within two hours of ingestion. Although the drug is fast working, patients normally do not feel the effects until a few weeks after starting therapy. Trimipramine has a half-life of 16 to 40 hours and can stay in the system up to ten days after the last dose. Individuals taking Surmontil should not be on other antidepressants, medicine for high blood pressure, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), anticholinergic agents, seizure drugs, antihistamines or anxiolytics.

Surmontil (Trimipramine) Addiction

Antidepressants like Surmontil are normally not classified as being addictive, but individuals can develop a dependency after long-term use. Because Surmontil alters chemicals in the brain, people often feel as though they cannot live a normal life without it. If you quit Surmontil suddenly, then the withdrawal symptoms can also spark recurrence of use. Withdrawal from Surmontil can be quite intense and has been known to last weeks, depending on the person and dosage levels at the time of quitting. It is typically advised to stop taking Surmontil gradually, which helps alleviate withdrawals and allows the body more time to adjust and re-balance crucial chemicals in the brain. Before you stop taking trimipramine, it is recommended to talk with your primary care doctor and develop a plan to taper off the substance.

The Importance Of Aftercare From Surmontil (Trimipramine)

Going through a treatment plan is the first step in getting off Surmontil, but pursuing an aftercare program is just as important in the rehabilitation process. People who are taking Surmontil often have co-occurring disorders, like depression or alcohol dependency. These issues should be dealt with while quitting Surmontil to avoid recurrence of use down the road. A good aftercare program should feature some kind of individual and group therapy to help deal with some of these underlying issues. Given the widespread use of antidepressants, you can usually find a great treatment program that is close to your location.