Antidepressants like Surmontil (trimipramine) are not typically considered addictive drugs, but patients can develop a physical dependence over time. Antidepressants work by changing the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain (like serotonin and norepinephrine), which helps treat major depression. Because of this, some people feel as though they cannot function properly without taking an antidepressant and quickly become dependent on the drug. If you abruptly stop taking antidepressants like trimipramine, you may experience intense withdrawals, depending on your dosage level and how long you have been taking the medication. This is one reason why it is normally recommended to gradually taper off antidepressants instead of quitting cold turkey.

Treatment Options For Surmontil (Trimipramine) Addiction Symptoms

Treatment options for Surmontil addiction vary depending on the individual. In certain circumstances, having a doctor prescribe gradually lower doses of Surmontil is all it takes to break the cycle of dependency. In other instances, however, a more in-depth treatment plan is needed to manage withdrawals and other addiction symptoms. Whatever your situation, always consult a medical professional before quitting an antidepressant. If done incorrectly, an abrupt stop in medication can lead to intense bouts of withdrawal symptoms, including:

  • Sweats
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Muscle cramps
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Weight gain
  • Cognitive deficiencies

Many people who suffer from Surmontil misuse are also dealing with other dependencies, such as drug or alcohol addiction. In these instances, a treatment plan that addresses co-occurring disorders is needed to improve the chances of long-term recovery. These types of programs usually involve medical detox in conjunction with a therapy plan to help deal with underlying issues, like depression and/or anxiety. You should always deal with co-occurring disorders at the same time to limit the chances of recurrence of use down the road.

Surmontil (Trimipramine) Medical Detox

The first step in dealing with trimipramine addiction is to get off the drug in a safe manner. This usually requires tapering off the medication over the course of several weeks. Not only does this give your body some time to adjust, but it also helps avoid intense withdrawal symptoms. The amount of time it takes to detox from Surmontil depends largely on how long you have been taking the drug and dosage amounts. Genetics and body functions should also be considered when tapering off the drug. You should never attempt to detox from an antidepressant without consulting a doctor, especially if you have a co-occurring disorder.

Surmontil (Trimipramine) Rehabilitation Programs

There are generally two types of rehabilitation programs associated with antidepressant addictions. This includes inpatient rehab and outpatient care. A good inpatient rehab center will feature 24-hour medical attention in conjunction with professional therapy services. Because suicidal thoughts can occur after quitting an antidepressant (especially in teens and young adults), close monitoring is advised throughout the first few weeks of rehab.

A complete rehab program can last anywhere from three weeks to several months. Once you have finished rehab, it is important to enroll in ongoing treatment to prevent future recurrence of use. A common treatment plan after rehab includes individual, group and family therapy sessions.

Surmontil (Trimipramine) Rehab

Antidepressant misuse is a growing problem in the United States. According to the New York Times, one in ten people were taking some form of antidepressant in 2013. Women over the age of 40 make up the bulk of these individuals. Out of this group, over 14 percent have been taking antidepressants like Surmontil for at least ten years. Long-term dependency is one reason why it is so difficult to get off antidepressants. But with the right treatment plan in place, it is possible to stop the cycle of dependency and get your life back on the right track. For most individuals, the best option is to enroll in an inpatient rehab center that gets you off the medication and addresses underlying issues at the same time.

Choosing A Surmontil (Trimipramine) Rehab Center

Picking the right rehab facility differs on an individual basis. If you have not been taking Surmontil for a long time, then you may only require outpatient care to quit the medication. But if you have been taking trimipramine for years and were on a high dose, then an inpatient plan is probably the better option to get you safely off the drug. Fortunately, there are plenty of outpatient and inpatient treatment facilities across the United States. When selecting the best rehab center, look for treatment plans that feature one-on-one medical care and therapy options.

For more information about selecting the best rehab center for you or a loved one, contact us.

Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.