Chronic Insomnia - Trimipramine Maleate (Surmontil)

[LoveT]

Hi

I have been suffering from chronic insomnia for 17 years. Sleeping pills do not work, and I have been to various psychiatrists, sleep clinics etc. The only medication that works is Trimipramine Maleat (Surmontil) but I cannot find it in Thailand. I am currently on Diazepam, but it really does not agree withme. Surmontil is a tri-cyclic anti-depressant specifically used for insomnia.

I have been to a hospital here, but they put me on some weird trippy stuff for depression, which did not help for my insomnia.

I am not looking for anything habit forming, which surmontil is not.

Any advice?

Txs,

E

[CaptHaddock]

I wouldn't be too eager to take a tricyclic. Years ago I took one for migraines and the side effects were pretty unpleasant.

Probably you have heard endless suggestions for dealing with your insomnia. I have had difficulty staying asleep for some years. Lately I have started weight training and on the days that I do weights I sleep better than I have in years. YMMV.

[Sheryl]

If I read his post correctly he is already taking it and says that it works for him.

Unfortunately, while trimipramine is approved for use in Thailand the manufacturer has not thus far sought a license for it so there is no registered brand , thus it is unavailable.

However a number of other tricylcic drugs are readily available e.g. amitryptaline. I suggest if possible you consult the doctor who placed you on trimipramine and ask his opinion as to whether you can switch to an older tricyclic and if so, which one at which dose.

[LoveT]

I wouldn't be too eager to take a tricyclic. Years ago I took one for migraines and the side effects were pretty unpleasant.

Probably you have heard endless suggestions for dealing with your insomnia. I have had difficulty staying asleep for some years. Lately I have started weight training and on the days that I do weights I sleep better than I have in years. YMMV.

Hi

I have been using this one for 15 years. It is the only one that is not habit forming and that does not alter the mind's sleeping structure (rem period, etc).

I exercise, eat healthy, and generally live a healthy lifestyle. It is not that I get little sleep - I get NO sleep.

I do not want to take sleeping pills or other weird stuff. I am just looking for similar medication. Surmontil is the only tricyclic that is effectively used for sleeping issues.

Regards

[LoveT]

If I read his post correctly he is already taking it and says that it works for him.

Unfortunately, while trimipramine is approved for use in Thailand the manufacturer has not thus far sought a license for it so there is no registered brand , thus it is unavailable.

However a number of other tricylcic drugs are readily available e.g. amitryptaline. I suggest if possible you consult the doctor who placed you on trimipramine and ask his opinion as to whether you can switch to an older tricyclic and if so, which one at which dose.

Hey,

Txs for this. I have looked up all the other tricyclics on the web, and they are aimed at depression, not sleep. However, it is good news that it is an approved drug, then I can get my mom to send it to me without getting into trouble.

I will research amitryptaline...

Many txs,

E

[LoveT]

If I read his post correctly he is already taking it and says that it works for him.

Unfortunately, while trimipramine is approved for use in Thailand the manufacturer has not thus far sought a license for it so there is no registered brand , thus it is unavailable.

However a number of other tricylcic drugs are readily available e.g. amitryptaline. I suggest if possible you consult the doctor who placed you on trimipramine and ask his opinion as to whether you can switch to an older tricyclic and if so, which one at which dose.

Hey,

Txs for this. I have looked up all the other tricyclics on the web, and they are aimed at depression, not sleep. However, it is good news that it is an approved drug, then I can get my mom to send it to me without getting into trouble.

I will research amitryptaline...

Many txs,

E

It seems this one is used for treatment of insomnia as well. Thank you so much!!!

[Sheryl]

Yes, all the tricyclics are sometimes used for insomnia. whether amiptryptiline will work as well for you ars what you are currently on, remains to be seen.