Trimipramine

The recommended starting dose of trimipramine is 75 mg daily in 2 or 3 divided doses. Your doctor may increase the dose gradually until a response to the medication occurs (this may take a few weeks or more). The dose is then adjusted to control the symptoms with acceptable side effects. The usual maintenance dose is approximately 150 mg to 200 mg daily in divided doses.

Trimipramine may be taken with or without food.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that Trimipramine be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause dryness of the mouth; it may cause constipation - to prevent this, drink plenty of water or juice, and eat more dietary fibre; it may cause drowsiness or dizziness - use caution when getting up from a lying or sitting position and use caution if driving; it may cause nausea or, rarely, vomiting; it may make your skin more sensitive to UV rays (e.g., sunlight, tanning lamps) - avoid exposure to UV rays as much as possible and protect yourself when out in the sun; it may cause weight gain, mostly with prolonged use. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Trimipramine is available in strengths of 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for details.

Trimipramine should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to any of the ingredients of the medication
• is allergic to other dibenzazepine-type medications
• is also taking a MAO inhibitor (e.g., Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine) or has taken one within the last 2 weeks
• has acute Congestive Heart Failure
• has just had a Heart Attack

There may be an interaction between trimipramine and any of the following:

• alcohol
• amphetamines (e.g., Dextroamphetamine)
• anticholinergic medications (e.g., Benztropine, atropine)
• appetite suppressants (e.g., mazindol, phentermine)
• barbiturates (e.g., Phenobarbital, secobarbital)
• benzodiazepines (e.g., Diazepam, Lorazepam)
• Cimetidine
• cisapride
• Clonidine
• Divalproex sodium
• Fluoxetine
• Fluvoxamine
• guanethidine
• MAO inhibitors (e.g., tranylcypromine, phenelzine)
• rifabutin
• rifampin
• Sertraline
• sympathomimetic medications (e.g., dopamine, Epinephrine)
• Valproic acid

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Trimipramine. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Trimipramine.

Alcohol: Your response to alcoholic beverages may be affected while taking Trimipramine.

Constipation: Trimipramine may cause constipation, especially for seniors.

Medical conditions: Trimipramine should be used with caution by people with a history of seizures, urinary retention, Glaucoma, or Thyroid disease. Tricyclic antidepressant medications such as trimipramine, particularly when taken in high doses, can cause abnormal heart rhythms. Therefore, trimipramine should be taken with caution by seniors or people with a history of heart disease.

Mental and physical impairment: Trimipramine may impair the mental or physical abilities required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving or operating machinery.

Withdrawal: Stopping treatment with trimipramine after having taken it for a long period of time may produce nausea, headache, and malaise. These symptoms do not mean that you are addicted to the medication. Do not stop taking trimipramine suddenly without first talking with your doctor.

Pregnancy: The safety of trimipramine for use during pregnancy has not been established. If you are or may be pregnant, the possible benefits of taking Trimipramine must be weighed against the possible risks. If you are or may be pregnant, talk to your doctor.

Breast-feeding: The safety of trimipramine for use while breast-feeding has not been established. If you are breast-feeding, the possible benefits of taking Trimipramine must be weighed against the possible risks to the child. If you are breast-feeding, talk to your doctor.

This medication is typically used only once a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Take it regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. It is not advisable to stop using this product suddenly, particularly if you have been on it for several weeks. If you are considering stopping the medication, talk to your pharmacist first. This medication may irritate the stomach, and should be taken with food. It is best to avoid coffee, spicy food or alcohol. Consuming alcohol may intensify the effect of this product. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Talk to your health care professional to find out exactly how much alcohol you can drink.