What is Tricyclic | Side Effects of Tricyclics Overdose Treatment

Posted in Depression Treatment - 17 February 2010 - No comment -

What are Tricyclics and How Do They Work?

Tricyclics are antidepressants. They have a three ring chemical structure and hence the name. It has been prescribed widely for people with major depressive disorder since nineteen fifties. Till recently they were doctor’s first choice for the vast majority of people with depressive disorders. They are recognized by their generic or brand names like imipramine (Tofranil), amitriptyline (Tryptizol, Lentizol) and nortriptyline (Allegron).

Tricyclics work to slow down the rate of reuptake or re-absorption by nerve cells and help to raise the level of serotonin and nonadrenaline. It takes several weeks for the levels to raise and reach a point where there is disappearance of depression symptoms.

Side Effects of Tricyclics

What are the dangers associated with Tricyclics?
Tricyclics also block other neurotransmitters to varying degrees and thereby have a number of possible side effects. These differ with the particular drug taken and with the individual. One tricyclic may give rise to feelings of anxiety or restlessness while others may cause drowsiness. Tricyclics in general tend to produce anticholinergic side effects because they block cholinergic receptors in the brain. Constipation, dry mouth, blurred vision, difficulty urinating or urinary retention are the common side effects. Cognitive and memory difficulties are the side effects particularly in the elderly.

Increased sweating, weight gain, weakness, fatigue, dizziness, muscle twitches, nausea, decrease in sexual ability and desire are the other common side effects. Some people experience rapid heartbeat and in rare cases they may develop irregular heart rhythms. Usually the side effects disappear quickly. They can also be reduced by lowering the dose or changing over to another tricyclic.

If high doses of Tricyclics are taken they can be dangerous because they can cause serious heart complications. Tricyclics are the leading cause of death by overdose in few countries. The doctor should consider the danger of overdose before prescribing any tricyclic because people with major depressive disorder maybe contemplating suicide.

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