Tricyclic: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 01:01, 20 February 2025

Overview of tricyclic antidepressants

Tricyclic Antidepressants[edit]

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are a class of medications that are primarily used to treat depression. They are named for their chemical structure, which contains three rings of atoms. TCAs were first discovered in the 1950s and have been used extensively in the treatment of mood disorders.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

TCAs work by inhibiting the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically norepinephrine and serotonin. By preventing the reabsorption of these neurotransmitters, TCAs increase their levels in the synaptic cleft, thereby enhancing neurotransmission and improving mood.

Common Tricyclic Antidepressants[edit]

Some of the most commonly prescribed TCAs include:

Uses[edit]

While primarily used to treat depression, TCAs are also effective in treating a variety of other conditions, including:

Side Effects[edit]

TCAs are associated with a range of side effects due to their non-selective action on various neurotransmitter systems. Common side effects include:

More serious side effects can include cardiac arrhythmias, particularly in overdose situations, and orthostatic hypotension.

Contraindications[edit]

TCAs should be used with caution in patients with certain medical conditions, such as:

Comparison with Other Antidepressants[edit]

TCAs are often compared to other classes of antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). While TCAs are effective, they tend to have more side effects than these newer classes of medications, which has led to a decline in their use as first-line treatments.

History[edit]

The first TCA, imipramine, was discovered in the late 1950s. It was initially developed as an antipsychotic but was found to have antidepressant properties. This discovery led to the development of other TCAs and their widespread use in the treatment of depression.

Related Pages[edit]

Dibenzazepine
Phenothiazin
Imipramine
Amitriptyline
Iprindole
Tianeptine
Doxepin
Chlorpromazin
Thioridazine
Chlorprothixene
Loxapine
Clozapine

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-'''Tricyclic''' refers to a class of drugs primarily used as [[antidepressants]]. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) were among the first antidepressants developed and were first introduced in the 1950s. They are named after their chemical structure, which contains three rings of atoms.
+{{Short description|Overview of tricyclic antidepressants}}
-== History ==
+==Tricyclic Antidepressants==
-The first TCA, [[imipramine]], was discovered in the early 1950s. It was initially intended to treat [[schizophrenia]], but was found to have significant antidepressant effects. This led to the development of other TCAs.
+Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are a class of medications that are primarily used to treat [[depression]]. They are named for their chemical structure, which contains three rings of atoms. TCAs were first discovered in the 1950s and have been used extensively in the treatment of mood disorders.
-== Mechanism of action ==
+==Mechanism of Action==
-TCAs work by inhibiting the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters, such as [[serotonin]] and [[norepinephrine]], thereby increasing their levels in the brain. This is believed to help alleviate the symptoms of depression.
+TCAs work by inhibiting the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically [[norepinephrine]] and [[serotonin]]. By preventing the reabsorption of these neurotransmitters, TCAs increase their levels in the synaptic cleft, thereby enhancing neurotransmission and improving mood.
-== Uses ==
+==Common Tricyclic Antidepressants==
-While TCAs are primarily used to treat [[depression]], they are also used for other conditions such as [[chronic pain]], [[anxiety disorders]], and certain types of [[neuropathy]].
+Some of the most commonly prescribed TCAs include:
-== Side effects ==
+* [[Amitriptyline]]
-Common side effects of TCAs include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, and dizziness. More serious side effects can include cardiac arrhythmia, seizures, and an increased risk of suicide.
+* [[Nortriptyline]]
+* [[Imipramine]]
+* [[Desipramine]]
+* [[Clomipramine]]
-== See also ==
+==Uses==
-* [[Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors]]
+While primarily used to treat depression, TCAs are also effective in treating a variety of other conditions, including:
-* [[Monoamine oxidase inhibitors]]
-* [[Atypical antidepressants]]
-== References ==
+* [[Anxiety disorders]]
-<references />
+* [[Chronic pain]]
+* [[Obsessive-compulsive disorder]] (OCD)
+* [[Panic disorder]]
+* [[Migraine]] prophylaxis
+==Side Effects==
+TCAs are associated with a range of side effects due to their non-selective action on various neurotransmitter systems. Common side effects include:
+* [[Dry mouth]]
+* [[Constipation]]
+* [[Urinary retention]]
+* [[Blurred vision]]
+* [[Drowsiness]]
+More serious side effects can include [[cardiac arrhythmias]], particularly in overdose situations, and [[orthostatic hypotension]].
+==Contraindications==
+TCAs should be used with caution in patients with certain medical conditions, such as:
+* [[Cardiovascular disease]]
+* [[Glaucoma]]
+* [[Prostatic hypertrophy]]
+==Comparison with Other Antidepressants==
+TCAs are often compared to other classes of antidepressants, such as [[selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors]] (SSRIs) and [[serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors]] (SNRIs). While TCAs are effective, they tend to have more side effects than these newer classes of medications, which has led to a decline in their use as first-line treatments.
+==History==
+The first TCA, [[imipramine]], was discovered in the late 1950s. It was initially developed as an antipsychotic but was found to have antidepressant properties. This discovery led to the development of other TCAs and their widespread use in the treatment of depression.
+==Related Pages==
+* [[Antidepressant]]
+* [[Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor]]
+* [[Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor]]
+* [[Monoamine oxidase inhibitor]]
 [[Category:Antidepressants]]
-[[Category:Tricyclic antidepressants]]
+[[Category:Psychiatric drugs]]
+<gallery>
-{{stub}}
+File:Dibenzazepine.svg|Dibenzazepine
+File:Phenothiazin.svg|Phenothiazin
+File:Imipramine.svg|Imipramine
+File:Amitriptyline.svg|Amitriptyline
+File:Iprindole.svg|Iprindole
+File:Tianeptine.svg|Tianeptine
+File:Doxepin.svg|Doxepin
+File:Chlorpromazin.svg|Chlorpromazin
+File:Thioridazine.svg|Thioridazine
+File:Chlorprothixene structure.svg|Chlorprothixene
+File:Loxapine.svg|Loxapine
+File:Clozapine.svg|Clozapine
+</gallery>