There are different types of antidepressants. Tricyclic antidepressants are one of the first medications for depression. A tricyclic antidepressant inhibits the reuptake of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, thereby reducing depressive symptoms.
Antidepressants: medications for depression
Depression is a condition characterized by a loss of zest for life and/or a severely depressed mood. People with depression suffer from feelings of worthlessness, fatigue, a depressed mood, a changed appetite, a disturbed sleep pattern and suicidal thoughts. Antidepressants are medicines that have been developed to reduce such depressive symptoms . A distinction is made between different types of antidepressants :
- Classic tricyclic antidepressants
- Classic MAOIs
- Modern antidepressants
These types of antidepressants differ from each other in terms of, among other things, the precise mechanism of action, side effects and effectiveness.
Mechanism of action of tricyclic antidepressants
It is sometimes said that people with depression are missing a certain substance in the brain. This is partly correct. It has been found that people with depression generally have less of certain neurotransmitters available in the brain. Neurotransmitters are responsible for communication in the brain. Neurotransmitters each have their own specialty. For example, the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine are strongly involved in emotion and mood. However, these neurotransmitters are present, but they are reabsorbed into the brain too quickly, preventing them from exerting their effects. Tricyclic antidepressants ensure that these neurotransmitters are available in the brain for longer, by blocking the reuptake of the neurotransmitters noradrenaline and serotonin in the cells.
Tricyclic antidepressants and their brand names
|
Active ingredient |
Brand name |
|
Amitriptyline |
Tryptizol ® |
|
Clomipramine |
Anafranil® |
|
Dosulepine |
Prothiaden® |
|
Doxepin |
Sinequan® |
|
Imipramine |
Tofranil® |
|
Maprotiline |
Ludiomil® |
|
Nortriptyline |
Nortrilen® |
|
Trimipramine |
Surmontil® |
Effectiveness of tricyclic antidepressants
When you take a tricyclic antidepressant, you do not immediately notice an effect, as is the case with some other medicines. As it were, a blood level of the antidepressant must be created. This usually takes several weeks. If you have not noticed any effect from the antidepressant after six weeks, the drug is probably not helping. You can then switch to a different type of antidepressant or consider adding another antidepressant. However, about 50 to 60 percent of adults respond well to a tricyclic antidepressant.
Whether it is best to choose a tricyclic antidepressant or another type of antidepressant depends greatly on the exact complaints, the risk of overdose, the interaction with other medications and additional physical disorders.
Side effects of tricyclic antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants, like other medicines, can have side effects. These are generally transient. Common side effects of tricyclic antidepressants include:
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Bladder problems
- Sexual dysfunction
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Increased heartrate