They affect neurotransmitter pathways throughout the body, including serotonin and norepinephrine.
How Tricyclic Antidepressants Work
Chemicals that deliver messages in the brain are calledneurotransmitters.
Tricyclic antidepressants work by preventing the reabsorption of neurotransmitters calledserotoninandnorepinephrine.
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The body needs both of these to function normally.
Tricyclic antidepressants can help balance the levels of these neurotransmitters.
While individual effects vary, SSRIs are generally well-tolerated and effective.
SSRIs also produce fewer side effects than tricyclics.
While both antidepressants impact serotonin, tricyclics are less selective than SSRIs.
When Are Tricyclics Prescribed?
Many of these are associated with the effect the drugs have on the smooth muscles of the internal organs.
While not strictly addictive per se, the long-term use of TCAs may lead to drug dependence.
In other cases, it can affect the bioavailability (concentration) of the drug in the bloodstream.
Tricyclics may also increase the risk for anticholinergic effects, cardiac problems, and postural hypotension in older adults.
Postural hypotension can lead to falls, increasing a person’s risk of experiencing fractures and other injuries.
Tricyclic Withdrawal
Stopping tricyclics or changing the dose can lead to symptoms of withdrawal.
Common withdrawal symptoms include nausea, fever, chills, headache, dizziness, lethargy, and vomiting.
In some cases, the drug side effects may become intolerable and interfere with your very quality of life.
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