TCA Antidepressant Drugs

All About TCA Antidepressant Drugs.

TCA antidepressant drugs, or TriCyclic Antidepressants are a class of drugs that help balance the neurotransmitter chemicals made by and utilized by nerve cells. TCA antidepressants increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine by blocking their reabsorption into the source cell. TCA's also block acetylcholine. The healthy balance of chemicals in the brain improves mood and attention span. Though commonly used, TCA's are more likely to be prescribed after the first line antidepressants are found to be ineffective for the individual patient. TCA antidepressant drugs are considered safe and effective, but they do have side effects which can sometimes interfere with the patient's comfort.

For example, Elavil is known to block acetylcholine with great efficiency, so that constipation may be a problem for some users. TCA antidepressants are not recommended for patients who suffer from seizures, glaucoma or heart ailments. They have also been shown to cause suicidal thoughts in children and young adults, so the clinical need must be balanced against the risks.Normal, mild side effects of TCA antidepressant drugs include dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness, blurred vision, weight gain or loss, low blood pressure, rash, hives and increased heart rate. Most antidepressants cause impairment to sexual function.

Drugs to avoid when taking TCA antidepressants include MAOI antidepressants, epinephrine, cimetadine (Tagamet) and clonidine. One of the more dangerous side effects of these drug combinations is the elevation of blood pressure which can eventually lead to stroke. During the use of TCA's, alcohol will make the patient drowsy and should be avoided throughout treatment.There are other conditions for which TCA antidepressants drugs are prescribed including obsessive compulsive disorder, bedwetting, panic disorder, bulimia, chronic pain or migraine and premenstrual syndrome. Several of these uses are off-label uses; in other words they are not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.