TCA Antidepressant Side Effects
Tricyclic antidepressants, commonly known as TCAs, are a class of drugs created for treating depression. First introduced in 1958, the tricyclic antidepressant was originally created as a schizophrenia treatment. It wasn’t particularly effective at helping schizophrenic patients. Depressed people, however, responded very well to it, so TCAs became the first antidepressant drugs. Before this discovery, depression was treated with amphetamines or shock therapy.
Although a tricyclic antidepressant is effective at treating depression, it can cause unpleasant side effects. For this reason, doctors usually first prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are newer antidepressants. If SSRIs have little or no effect, doctors may recommend a tricyclic antidepressant.
Tricyclic Antidepressants List
Tricyclic antidepressants approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of depression include:
- Amitriptyline (brand names include Elavil®, Endep, Amitrip and Enovil)
- Amoxapine (Asendin)
- Desipramine (Norpramin®)
- Doxepin (Sinequan®)
- Imapramine (Tofranil®)
- Nortriptyline (Palemor®)
- Protriptyline (Vivactil®)
- Trimipramine (Surmontil®).
A tricyclic antidepressant may come in many forms. Some are mixed with liquid and taken orally, while others are available as injections, tablets or capsules.
How Does a Tricyclic Antidepressant Work?
The term “tricyclic” refers to the chemical structure of these antidepressants. A tricyclic antidepressant blocks cell receptors from absorbing too much serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, three brain transmitters that affect mood. Low levels of these chemicals are associated with depression. By boosting the levels of all three, tricyclic antidepressants improve mood and ease depression symptoms.
Tricyclic Antidepressant Side Effects
Unfortunately, tricyclic antidepressants can be too good at what they do. In addition to their designated purpose, they block other brain cell receptors and neurotransmitters from doing their jobs. This affects nerve cell communication throughout the brain, leading to the following antidepressant side effects:
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Disorientation and confusion
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Increased appetite
- Increased heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Sexual dysfunction
- Urinary retention
- Weakness
- Weight gain.
While tricyclic antidepressant side effects aren’t quite as dangerous or severe as those of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), they are still more troublesome than SSRI antidepressant side effects. For this reason, TCAs are rarely the first medication prescribed in the treatment of depression.
In addition, tricyclic antidepressants can cause complications if you suffer from certain health issues. Be sure to let your doctor know if you have any of the following conditions before you start taking a tricyclic antidepressant:
- Alcohol abuse
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Bipolar disorder
- Diabetes
- Enlarged prostate
- Glaucoma
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Intestinal problems
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Manic depression
- Overactive thyroid
- Schizophrenia
- Seizures
- Stomach problems.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also talk to their doctors about using a tricyclic antidepressant, as TCAs may harm the fetus and pass into breast milk.
Resources
Croft, H. (2010). Tricyclic (TCAs) and heterocyclic antidepressants for depression. Retrieved May 10, 2010, from the Healthy Place website: www.healthyplace.com/depression/antidepressants/tricyclic-tcas-and-heterocyclic-antidepressants-for-depression/menu-id-68/.
Depression Guide Staff. (2005). Tricyclic antidepressant. Retrieved May 10, 2010, from the Depression Guide website: www.depression-guide.com/tricyclic-antidepressant.htm.
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2008). Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Retrieved May 10, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/antidepressants/MH00071.
Ross-Flanigan, N. (2002). Antidepressants, tricyclic. Retrieved May 10, 2010, from the Healthline website: www.healthline.com/galecontent/antidepressants-tricyclic.