Trimipramine
Trimipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) primarily used to treat major depressive disorder. It has notable sedative properties, making it particularly useful for depression accompanied by anxiety or insomnia. The medication is sometimes also prescribed off-label for chronic pain conditions and anxiety disorders.
Trimipramine is an older antidepressant with sedating properties, used mainly for depression and related conditions like anxiety and insomnia.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N06AA06
- RxNorm
- 10834
- Generic
- Trimipramine
- Class
- atc-n06
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Trimipramine is FDA-approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Due to its sedating effects, it is often considered for patients whose depression includes symptoms of anxiety, agitation, or insomnia. Off-label uses may include chronic pain syndromes, neuropathic pain, and anxiety disorders.
As a tricyclic antidepressant, trimipramine works by inhibiting the reuptake of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain, increasing their availability. It also has antagonist effects at histamine H1, muscarinic acetylcholine, and alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, contributing to its sedating and anticholinergic effects.
Trimipramine carries a boxed warning for increased suicidality in children, adolescents, and young adults. Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision, and orthostatic hypotension. Due to its anticholinergic effects, it should be used cautiously in elderly patients and those with urinary retention, glaucoma, or heart conditions. Alcohol should be avoided during treatment.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy