Why are tricyclics called dirty drugs

Antagonism by antidepressants of neurotransmitter receptors of normal human brain in vitro. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 1 , Sadock, B. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer. See main article: Anticholinergic and Cholingeric Toxicity. Alpha-1 adrenergic blockade : postural hypotension, bradycardia, and dizziness. Histamine H1 blockade : sedation, postural hypotension, and weight gain.

Muscarinic M1 blockade i. TCAs are highly protein bound and therefore also interact with medications that are also highly protein bound. Doses need to start low, go slowly.

Clomipramine is the most serotonergic TCA with minimal norepinephrine reuptake inhibition. Desipramine is the most noradrenergic TCA greatest norepinephrine reuptake inhibition [6]. Tricyclic antidepressant overdose: Clinical and pharmacologic observations. Clinical Toxicology, 18 5 , Clinical toxicology, 18 5 , Canadian journal of psychiatry.

Revue canadienne de psychiatrie, 62 5 , TCAs interact with many different drugs, so ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible interactions before taking a tricyclic antidepressant. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. TCAs are basically harmless in terms of tolerance and addiction.

The danger with this group of drugs comes when it used in combination with drugs such as depressants, opioids, alcohol and other illicit drugs. The 's was marked by discoveries and innovation in psychopharmacology. It was in that the psychiatric impact of this drug became evident and prompted other chemists to study derivatives of the drug. The first TCA synthesized for the treatment of depression was imipramine.

Clinical trial of this drug was in Amitriptyline was introduced by Merck as the second drug in the TCA family. Other derivatives of tricyclic antidepressants were developed. TCAs were the drug of choice for the treatment of clinical depression. However, tricyclic antidepressants have been proven to be more effective than newer drugs in treating melancholic depression, and treatment-resistant depression.

Screening Cut-Off and Detection Time Analysis for drugs of abuse do not necessarily or routinely include test for tricyclic antidepressants. Tricyclic Antidepressants Drug Type Tricyclic antidepressants are actually chemical compounds that treat depression. Forms and Routes of Administration Tricyclic antidepressants are mostly available in tablets, capsules and liquid form oral concentrate and cream.

The usual dose for an adult is:6 initial dose: 50mg orally times a day maintenance dose: mg orally times a day maximum does: mg orally daily Amitriptyline Vanatrip, Elavil, Endep comes in tablet form in strengths of 10mg, 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, mg and mg. Doxepin cannot be taken with warfarin blood thinner. Generally, TCAs cannot be taken together with: MAO inhibitors within 14 days of taking them Atropine-like drugs, antihistamine, sedatives, phenytoin Clonidine, guanadrel, ephedrine, cimetidine Estrogens, Fluoxetine, fluvoxamine Ritonavir and all protease inhibitors Meperidine, methylphenidate Stimulants Oral contraceptive Thyroid medications Alcohol Stimulants refer to amphetamine , methamphetamine and cocaine.

Tricyclic Antidepressant Brand Names Some of the most common TCA prescribed today are: amoxapine Asendin desipramine Norpramin clomipramine Anafranil trimipramine Surmontil amitriptyline Elavil nortriptyline Pamelor imipramine Tofranil protriptyline Vivactil doxepin Sinequan Tricyclic Antidepressant Uses Tricyclic antidepressants were first used to treat depression.

Common Side Effects of Tricyclic Antidepressants Tricyclic antidep ressants may cause a number of side effects, including: Blurred vision Dry mouth Dizziness or lightheadedness Drowsiness Restlessness Racing heartbeat Urinary retention Constipation Tremor Increased appetite Low sex drive Difficulty achieving an erection, and other sexual difficulties Low blood pressure when rising to a stand Confusion in the elderly Sweating Increased sweating Weight gain When to call Swelling of face, throat, lips, tongue occur Trouble breathing When to call your doctor When the person has suicidal thoughts Develops hives Restless and agitated Nausea and vomiting Fast hear rate Health Conditions That Make Tricyclic Antidepressants Dangerous The FDA requires drug companies that all their tricyclic antidepressants products carry a black-box warning on the label that says that these drugs make some people commit suicide or have suicidal thoughts.

People with the following conditions must not take tricyclic antidepressants: Recently suffered a heart attack Allergic to TC Under 25 years old and over 65 years old Have thyroid, diabetes, heart disease problems Have enlarged prostate Condition affecting the urinary tract Have glaucoma History of dizziness, epilepsy Have liver disease Taking mood-management medications Pregnant, breast-feeding, and women planning on getting pregnant should seek medical help before taking TCAs Tolerance, Dependence and Withdrawal Dosing for this group of drugs starts at the lowest dose possible to manage the medical condition, then builds up to the maximum allowable dose.

History of Tricyclic Antidepressants The 's was marked by discoveries and innovation in psychopharmacology. Related Resources.