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Tricyclic antidepressants are a class of antidepressant drugs first used in the 1950s named after the drug's molecular structure which consists of three ring like structures (compare tetracyclic antidepressant). The term 'tricyclic antidepressant' is sometimes abbreviated to 'TCA.

Tricyclic antidepressants are not considered addictive and although they remain effective, they have been increasingly replaced by SSRIs. These newer antidepressants are thought to have less side effects and are also thought to be less effective if used in a suicide attempt, as the treatment and lethal doses are much further apart than with the tricyclic antidepressants.

The side effects of tricyclic antidepressant may include: drowsiness, anxiety, restlessness, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention or difficulty with urination, cognitive and memory difficulties, weight gain, sweating, dizziness, decrease in sexual ability and desire, muscle twitches, weakness, nausea, increased heart rate and irregular heart rhythms (rare).

It is worth noting that many people suffer few, if any, side effects from taking tricyclic antidepressants. However, as with any medication, it is always worth reporting any problems you encounter to your health care provider.

Antidepressant drugs in the tricyclic drug group include:

• amitriptyline (Elavil®, Endep®)
• amoxapine (Asendin®)
• clomipramine (Anafranil®)
• desipramine (Norpramin®, Pertofrane®)
• dothiepin hydrochloride (Prothiaden®, Thaden®)
• doxepin (Adapin®, Sinequan®)
• imipramine (Tofranil®)
• nortryptyline (Pamelor®)
• protriptyline (Vivactil®)
• trimipramine (Surmontil®)

See also

• antidepressant
• clinical depression
• tetracyclic antidepressant