Discover The Types of Antidepressants Used To Treat Depression

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are a class of depression medication which are NOT usually prescribed as a 'first choice' antidepressant for the treatment of depression, simply because they seem to have more adverse side effects or are harder to tolerate than the likes of SSRI's.[1] These adverse side effects maybe due to Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) not only inhibiting the "reuptake" of neurotransmitters (messenger molecules), such as: Serotonin and Norepinephrine but also because they can block histaminic, cholinergic, and alpha1-adrenergic receptors too.[2] Simply put...They block "a whole lot of action" from going on in your brain! [divider style="6"] Want to see the basic process of how "reuptake inhibitors" are said to work to treat depression? Then, be sure to watch: How Do Antidepressants Work? [divider style="6"] Tricyclic Antidepressants List Here's a list of some commonly prescribed Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs). Amoxapine - Asendin - Défanyl - Oxamine - Demolox - Adisen - Amolife - Amoxan - Asendis - Oxcap Amitriptyline - Elavil - Tryptizol - Syneudon - Sarotex -Amirol - Adepril - Levate - Endep - Laroxyl Lofepramine - Gamanil - Lomont Nortriptyline - Pamelor - Allegron - Aventyl - Noritren - Norpress - Nortrilen - Sensoval Clomipramine - Anafranil - Hydiphen - Anapramine Desipramine - Norpramin - Pertofran - Pertofrane Doxepin - Sinequan - Silenor - Triadapin - Adapin - Aponal - Quitaxon Trimipramine - Surmontil - Rhotrimine Herphonal - Sapilent - Stangyl - Tripress - Tydamine Imipramine - Tofranil - Impril - Antidep - Depsonil - Elamin - Fronil - Imidol - Imiprex Protiptyline - Triptil - Vivactil [divider style="6"] Most Common Side Effects of Tricyclic Antidepressants Tricyclic antidepressants may cause: Anxiety Emotional blunting Weight gain (or loss) Changes in appetite Dry mouth Constipation Drowsiness Increased risk of suicidal thinking &/or suicidal behaviour Dizziness / Lightheadedness Blurred vision Drop in blood pressure upon standing Rash / hives Urine retention Increased body temperature Excessive sweating Sexual dysfunction Cognitive &/or memory impairment Lack of interest, enthusiasm or concern Inability to feel pleasure in normally pleasurable activities Confusion Restlessness Tremors or muscle twitches Akathisia Hypersensitivity Weakness Feeling nauseous or vomiting Hypotension (low blood pressure) Tachycardia Irregular heart rhythms Increased risk of Serotonin Syndrome [divider style="6"] Antidepressant Warnings Antidepressant drugs can interact with other medications, foods and natural supplements (for example; St Johns Wort) which may increase the risk of Serotonin Syndrome, so be sure to speak to your doctor or healthcare provider to ensure there's no negative interactions. HELPFUL TIP If you would like to personally assess how your medications may interact with each other, then simply click here to use the FREE Drug Interactions Checker. This will inform you of any possible negative interactions of your medications. NOTE: Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on the Drug Interactions page applies to your personal circumstances. Always check with your healthcare provider to determine if any adjustments to your medications are needed. WARNING: *** NEVER stop an antidepressant drug without first consulting your healthcare provider. Suddenly stopping an antidepressant drug can cause adverse effects.*** NOTE: The content on this page is for general information purposes only. This page is not intended to give advice regarding Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs). FOOTNOTES: 1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10760555 2. Receptor Sites Affected By Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) IMAGE CREDIT: Photo by rawpixel