Maprotiline vs. Surmontil for Depression: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Maprotiline and trimipramine are both medications used to treat depression, but they belong to different classes. Maprotiline was a tetracyclic antidepressant, but is no longer available in the U.S. Trimipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant. Trimipramine is still available as a generic and can be taken in divided doses throughout the day or as a single dose at bedtime. Trimipramine can cause side effects like dizziness, dry mouth, and heart problems, and it may take several weeks to notice mood improvements. It also has potential interactions with other medications, especially those affecting serotonin levels.

Maprotiline

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Trimipramine

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Summary for Maprotiline

Prescription only

Maprotiline is an antidepressant used to treat depression and anxiety associated with depression. It's no longer available in the United States because it was discontinued.

Indications for Maprotiline

Depression
Anxiety from depression

Pros and Cons for Maprotiline

Pros

Cons

Summary for Surmontil

Prescription only

Trimipramine is taken by mouth and used to treat depression. It's not a first-choice medication because it can cause many side effects, such as dizziness, dry mouth, anxiety, or heart problems.

Indications for Surmontil

Depression

Pros and Cons for Surmontil

Pros

Available as a lower-cost generic
Available in 3 different strengths, convenient if you need to adjust your dose
Can be taken once a day, usually before you go to bed

Cons

Might not notice changes in your mood until you've taken trimipramine for several weeks
Stopping trimipramine suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, headache, and discomfort
Can cause more side effects than other medications used to treat depression
Not recommended for use for people with certain medical conditions, such as heart problems, thyroid problems, or seizures