Key takeaways
Amitriptyline (formerly branded as Elavil) and trimipramine (formerly branded as Surmontil) are both tricyclic antidepressants used to treat depression, but they have some differences. Amitriptyline is also commonly used off-label for nerve pain and migraine prevention, while trimipramine is not. Amitriptyline works by raising levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, whereas the exact way trimipramine works is unknown, though it is thought to make the brain more sensitive to serotonin. Both medications can cause side effects like sleepiness and dizziness, but amitriptyline is more likely to cause weight gain and has a higher risk of interactions with other medications. Trimipramine, on the other hand, can cause serotonin syndrome if taken with certain other medications and is not recommended for people with heart or thyroid problems. Both medications are available in generic forms and can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly.
