Tricyclic Antidepressants- Drug Facts:

Tricyclic Antidepressants and tetracyclic antidepressants are heterocyclic chemical components used predominately as antidepressants.  The drug was introduced to the public in 1950.  Chemical changes occur in the brain when a person is depressed.  Tricyclic Antidepressants are used to stabilize mood.

Description & Overview:
- Central Nervous System Depressant

Other Names – Brands:
- Amitriptyline
- Amoxapine
- Desipramine (Norpramin)
- Doxepin
- Imipramine (Tofranil, Tofranil-PM)
- Maprotiline
- Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
- Protriptyline (Vivactil)
- Trimipramine (Surmontil)

Used Illegally:
- Downers
- After Taking Other Illegal Drugs to Obtain “High”
- Used in Combination With Other Drugs: Alcohol, Marijuana

Medically Used to Treat:
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Off-Label for Sleep
- Unapproved Uses of Approved Drugs

Street Names for Tricyclic – Antidepressants:
- Blue Angels
- Blue Birds
- Vivactil
- Anafranil
- Janimine
- Tofranil
- TCA

How Tricyclic – Antidepressants Affects the Brain:
- Affect Chemical Messengers in the Brain
- Neurotransmitters
- Used to Communicate Between Brain Cells
- Change the Level of One or More Neurotransmitters
- Block the Absorption
- Block Reuptake of Neurotransmitters Serotonin
- Block Reuptake of Norepinephrine

Results:
- Make These Chemicals More Available in the Brain
- Helps Brain Cells Send Messages
- Helps Brain Cells Receive Messages
- Effects Mood

Short-Term Effects of Using Tricyclic – Antidepressants:
- Drowsiness
- Dry Mouth
- Blurred Vision
- Constipation
- Dizziness

Long-Term Effects of Using Tricyclic – Antidepressants:
- Addiction
- Delayed Orgasm
- Low Sex Drive
- Urinary Retention
- Increased Heart Rate
- Disorientation
- Confusion
- Low Blood Pressure
- Light Headed
- Fatique
- Nausea
- Increased Appetite
- Weight Gain
- Headache
- Sensitivity to Sunlight
- Seizures