{"id":4583,"date":"2022-10-11T09:21:22","date_gmt":"2022-10-11T16:21:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.helloklarity.com\/?p=4583"},"modified":"2023-10-20T10:49:15","modified_gmt":"2023-10-20T17:49:15","slug":"trimipramine-vs-amitriptyline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms.helloklarity.com\/post\/trimipramine-vs-amitriptyline\/","title":{"rendered":"Trimipramine vs Amitriptyline"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When you are living with depression, it\u2019s important that you find a treatment that\u2019s going to give you relief from your symptoms. But with all of the antidepressant medications available, it can be difficult to understand which one will be right for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article explains the similarities and differences between the two tricyclic antidepressants, trimipramine and amitriptyline, so you can be more informed when pursuing the best depression treatment for your needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have depression and want to learn more about your treatment options and whether trimipramine or amitriptyline would be right for you, Klarity can help. We\u2019ll connect you with a licensed healthcare provider in your state for affordable, fast, and simple online depression treatment<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find a provider<\/a> through Klarity today and within 48 hours, you could begin your journey toward relieving your depression symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article discusses suicide, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or is in crisis, contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline immediately at 988.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
<\/th>Amitriptyline<\/th>Trimipramine<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Drug Class<\/strong><\/td>Tricyclic antidepressant<\/td>Tricyclic antidepressant
\r\n
\r\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand \/ Generic Status<\/strong><\/td>Generic (Brand name: Elavil)<\/td>Generic (Brand name: Surmontil)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Form(s) of the Drug<\/strong><\/td>\u2022 Tablets
\n\u2022 Yellow, fruit-flavored liquid suspension
\n<\/td>		\u2022 Immediate-release capsules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard Dosage<\/strong><\/td>Tablets:
\n\u2022 10mg
\n\u2022 25mg
\n\u2022 50mg
\n\u2022 75mg
\n\u2022 100mg
\n\u2022 150mg
\n
\nLiquid suspension:
\n\u2022 10mg per dose
\n<\/td>		Immediate-release capsules:
\n\u2022 25 mg
\n\u2022 50 mg
\n\u2022 100 mg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Conditions Treated<\/strong><\/td>FDA-approved uses:
\n\u2022 Major depressive disorder
\n\u2022 Anxiety disorder
\n\u2022 OCD
\n
\nOff-label uses:
\n\u2022 Chronic fibromyalgia pain
\n\u2022 Nerve pain
\n\u2022 Sleep disorders
\n\u2022 Bladder pain
\n\u2022 Irritable bowel syndrome
\n
\n<\/td>		FDA-approved uses:
\n\u2022 Major depressive disorder
\n
\nOff-label uses:
\n\u2022 Difficulty sleeping
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cost<\/strong><\/td>Generic form (amitriptyline):
\n\u2022 $140 to $300 for a 30-day supply
\n\u2022 $4 for a 30-day supply with insurance or coupon card
\n<\/td>		Generic (trimipramine):
\n\u2022 $30 to $78 for a 30-day supply
\n
\nBrand name:
\n\u2022 $160 to $171 for a 30-day supply<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side-Effects<\/strong><\/td>Common side effects:
\n\u2022 Drowsiness, blurred vision
\n\u2022 Dry mouth, constipation
\n\u2022 Weight gain
\n\u2022 Difficulty urinating
\n\u2022 Persistent heartburn
\n\u2022 Easy bruising or bleeding
\n\u2022 Black stools
\n\u2022 Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
\n\u2022 Muscle spasms, shaking
\n\u2022 Severe abdominal pain
\n\u2022 Decreased libido
\n\u2022 Enlarged or painful breasts
\n\u2022 Severe dizziness, fainting, seizures, confusion
\n\u2022 Eye pain, redness or swelling, vision changes
\n\u2022 Sweating
\n<\/td>		Common side effects:
\n\u2022 Drowsiness, fatigue
\n\u2022 Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, or constipation
\n\u2022 Dry mouth
\n\u2022 Changes in blood pressure
\n\u2022 Blurred vision
\n\u2022 Changes of sensation, such as feeling \u201cpins and needles\u201d in your extremities
\n\u2022 Loss of appetite
\n\u2022 Decreased sex drive
\n\u2022 Headache
\n\u2022 Skin rash
\n
\nSerious side effects:
\n\u2022 Suicidal thoughts or self-harm behaviors
\n\u2022 Serotonin syndrome
\n\u2022 Signs of heart attack
\n\u2022 Signs of stroke<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Warnings For Use<\/strong><\/td>Drug interactions:
\n\u2022 Quinidine
\n\u2022 Cimetidine
\n\u2022 Many other antidepressants: SSRIs
\n\u2022 Type 1C antiarrhythmics
\n\u2022 MAO inhibitors
\n\u2022 Thyroid medication
\n\u2022 Alcohol, barbiturates and other CNS depressants
\n\u2022 Anticholinergic drugs
\n<\/td>		Drug interactions:
\n\u2022 Anticholinergic medications
\n\u2022 MAOIs
\n\u2022 Certain medications for high blood pressure
\n\u2022 Drugs that may increase the level of the medication
\n\u2022 Protease inhibitors
\n\u2022 Drugs that affect heart rhythm
\n\u2022 Motion sickness medication
\n\u2022 SSRIs
\n\u2022 MDMA
\n\u2022 St. John\u2019s wort
\n\u2022 Thyroid medications<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n

Amitriptyline and Trimipramine Are the Same Class of Drugs (Tricyclics)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tricyclic antidepressants are commonly used today when other forms of antidepressants, like SSRIs and SNRIs, fail to work. All tricyclics work by increasing the levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain and blocking the reabsorption of chemicals that regulate mood. However, the mechanism for how different tricyclics work varies with each one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amitriptyline, trimipramine, and other tricyclics cannot target specific neurotransmitters as precisely as other antidepressants that work similarly, so they have the potential to cause more side effects. Tricyclics are among the earliest antidepressants to be developed; however, their effectiveness varies from person to person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are Tricyclics?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tricyclics are one of the earliest antidepressants developed and are still used today to treat major depressive disorder and other conditions. Tricyclics are one of several kinds of antidepressants that fall under the category of \u201ccyclic\u201d antidepressants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many different types of tricyclics, including the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Amoxapine<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Trimipramine<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Vivactil<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Norpramin<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Pamelor<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Amitriptyline<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Amitriptyline and Trimipramine Are Both Used To Treat Major Depressive Disorder<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Amitriptyline and trimipramine are both tricyclic antidepressants, meaning that they work by increasing neurotransmitter levels in the brain. Certain neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine help regulate our mood by communicating with other parts of the brain to stimulate or calm us. When the brain lacks the proper amount of these neurotransmitters, it can result in major depressive disorder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In some cases, the brain reabsorbs neurotransmitters like serotonin before they are able to send a signal, resulting in low levels in the brain. Antidepressants like amitriptyline and trimipramine prevent this reabsorption, allowing the brain chemicals to function at normal levels and therefore stabilize your mood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What Else Does Amitriptyline Treat?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Along with depression, healthcare providers prescribe amitriptyline to treat various conditions, from anxiety to irritable bowel syndrome. This use of amitriptyline is off-label and should always be discussed with a medical provider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Off-label Uses for Amitriptyline<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    • Anxiety<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Insomnia<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Diabetic neuropathy<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Fibromyalgia<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Migraines<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Postherpetic neuralgia or post-shingles skin pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Sialorrhea or excessive saliva flow<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      What Else Does Trimipramine Treat?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Trimipramine is especially effective in treating depression, especially in cases where a sedative effect is helpful. In addition to depression, trimipramine has off-label uses for treating other conditions. Medical professionals may prescribe trimipramine to treat anxiety. However, these uses are not always FDA-approved, and you should speak with your provider before using trimipramine to treat other conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Off-label Uses for Trimipramine<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      • Anxiety <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Insomnia<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Psychotic symptoms<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t