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Tricyclic Antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are most used for treating depression, but some are also effective for relieving other mental conditions that include obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic attacks, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some TCAs have also been used to control attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bedwetting, and nerve pain.
When a TCA is prescribed, the initial daily dose is usually small, and then it is increased every few days until an effective dosage is reached. The drugs are introduced slowly to help lessen side effects. TCAs generally take three weeks to six weeks to reach full effectiveness and, treatment generally lasts from 6 months to 12 months. When treatment stops, the dose of tricyclic antidepressant must be decreased gradually over a period of several weeks to lessen withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, nausea, and restlessness.
Side effects of TCAs may include blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, impaired sexual function, and weight gain. However, their side effects usually fade after the patient has been on the medication for a few weeks.
Drugs in the class
Amitriptyline
Amoxapine
Clomipramine Capsules
(
Anafranil
)
Desipramine Tablets
(
Desipramine Hydrochloride Tablets,
Norpramin Tablets
)
Doxepin Capsules
(
Doxepin Hydrochloride Capsules
)
Imipramine Hydrochloride Tablets
(
Tofranil Tablets
)
Imipramine Pamoate Capsules
(
Tofranil PM Capsules
)
Maprotiline
Nortriptyline Capsules
(
Nortriptyline Hydrochloride Capsules,
Pamelor Capsules
)
Nortriptyline Oral Solution
(
Nortriptyline Hydrochloride Oral Solution,
Pamelor Oral Solution
)
Protriptyline
(
Vivactil
)
Trimipramine
(
Surmontil
)
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