tricyclics
Older depression drugs
Tricyclics are a class of antidepressant medications, named for their three-ring molecular structure.
Developed in the 1950s, they were among the first effective treatments for depression: She was prescribed tricyclics after other medications failed.
Though largely superseded by newer antidepressants with fewer side effects, tricyclics remain useful for chronic pain and certain mood disorders.
Tricyclic mood disorder medication
- reuptakeNeurotransmitter recapture by neurons
- serotoninMood-regulating brain chemical
- norepinephrineAlertness and stress hormone
- monoamineSingle-amine compound
neurotransmitter · anticholinergic · sedation · metabolism · bioavailability · pharmacokinetics · half-life · overdose
Prolonged low state
- dysthymiaChronic low-grade melancholy
- fibromyalgiaChronic widespread musculoskeletal pain condition
- insomniaPersistent inability to rest
- enuresisInvoluntary voiding of urine
Mental health medicine
- psychotherapyTreatment through guided conversation
- augmentationAct of adding more
- first-lineTried before alternatives
- second-lineBackup or alternative approach
SSRI · SNRI · MAOI · switching · washout · response · remission
Medical dispensing authorization
- dosageMeasured medicine amount
- tabletsFlat portable computing devices
- capsulesEncased doses of medicine
- titrationMeasuring concentration by addition
side-effects · contraindications · interactions · generic · brand-name · formulary · refill · dispensing
amitriptyline
Tricyclic mood disorder medication
- reuptakeNeurotransmitter recapture by neurons
- serotoninMood-regulating brain chemical
- norepinephrineAlertness and stress hormone
monoamine · neurotransmitter · anticholinergic · sedation · metabolism · bioavailability · pharmacokinetics · half-life · overdose
depression
Prolonged low state
- dysthymiaChronic low-grade melancholy
- fibromyalgiaChronic widespread musculoskeletal pain condition
- insomniaPersistent inability to rest
psychiatry
Mental health medicine
- psychotherapyTreatment through guided conversation
- augmentationAct of adding more
- first-lineTried before alternatives
second-line · SSRI · SNRI · MAOI · switching · washout · response · remission
prescription
Medical dispensing authorization
- dosageMeasured medicine amount
- tabletsFlat portable computing devices
- capsulesEncased doses of medicine
titration · side-effects · contraindications · interactions · generic · brand-name · formulary · refill · dispensing · compliance
tricyclicsSSRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
SNRIs · fluoxetine · Prozac · sertraline · Zoloft
tricyclicspsychotherapy
Treatment through guided conversation
talk therapy · cognitive behavioral therapy · CBT · electroconvulsive therapy · counseling