Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
TCAs (Tricyclic Antidepressants): This is another class of drug that is used for treating depression. This class of drug can be used also for certain forms of anxiety, insomnia, fibromyalgia, and for controlling chronic pain.
Tricyclic is a word that refers to three rings found in chemical structures within these drugs. TCA's were some of the first antidepressants that were developed for depression. Today, we have newer antidepressants such as the SSRIs. Due to this, tricyclics are have become less popular and are used less often. But they still make up an important drug class in the antidepressant family.
How Do TCAs Work?
When it comes to TCAs, no one is sure how the tricyclic antidepressants work. It is thought that they react with chemicals in the human brain, and these include serotonin and norepinephrine. Some experts believe tricyclic antidepressants allow these two chemicals to remain in the brain for a longer period of time. This may help those with depression symptoms.
It is a known fact that the therapeutic effects found with antidepressants can vary from one person to the next. This may be due to genetic makeup. Also, some believe that a person's sensitivity to certain antidepressant, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor effects, will vary, depending on certain factors:
- How your serotonin reuptake receptor works
- Your alleles: These are parts of chromosomes which determine certain inherited characteristics. These include hair color, height and other unique characteristics.
Side Effects of TCAs
TCAs may have more side effects simply because they are less selective when it comes to the cells they affect. Some of the more common side effects include: nausea, headaches, drowsiness, and nausea. There may be other side effects as well. If you experience any of these, contact your doctor: suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, and seizures.
The more serious side effects found with tricyclic antidepressants are:
- Blurred Vision
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
Uses of TCAs drugs:
Tricyclic antidepressants are normally used for treating depression, but they have also been approved for other uses. These include obsessive-compulsive disorder, some forms of insomnia, anxiety and fibromyalgia. Off-label uses for tricyclic antidepressants include treating chronic pain, and helping to prevent migraines.
Warnings For TCAs
TCA users should understand the precautions and warnings associated with using tricyclic antidepressants. It is important to understand that these medications may increase the risk of having suicidal thoughts. It can also lead to suicidal behavior. In addition, it can affect your heart as well as its electrical system. It can also make schizophrenia episodes worse. Patients should not begin using tricyclic antidepressants if they had any recent heart attacks. This is true, too, if you have taken MAOI medication within the last two weeks.
Consult with your doctor before you take tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) if any of the following applies to you:
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Any suicidal history or attempts
- Severe forms of anxiety or agitation
- Recent heart attack
- Heart problems
- Glaucoma
- Seizures
- Epilepsy
- Diabetes
- Allergies
It is important that your doctor knows about any drugs you are taking or planning to take.
Issues with Overdose
It is possible to overdose on tricyclic antidepressants. The overdose symptoms are:
- Heart rhythm changes
- Very low blood pressure
- Seizures
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Muscle tension
- Nausea and vomiting
If you suspect an overdose, get medical attention immediately.
