What it means
A group of drugs that increase norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. Examples are amitriptylineam-ih-TRIP-tuh-leenA tricyclic antidepressant, used for depression and often in low doses for nerve pain, migraine prevention and sleep.Full entry , nortriptyline, imipramine and doxepin. Today they are used more for nerve pain, migraine prevention and sleep than for depression, because newer drugs have fewer side effects. Their anticholinergic effects include dry mouth, constipation, trouble passing urine, blurred vision, drowsiness and dizziness on standing, and an overdose can cause fatal heart rhythm problems and seizures.
For the nurse
Clients at risk of suicide may be given only small amounts at a time. Teach to rise slowly, use fluids and fiber for constipation, and avoid alcohol. The Beers Criteria advise avoiding some tricyclics, such as amitriptyline, in older adults.
At a glance
| Drug class | antidepressant |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Pamelor (nortriptyline), Tofranil (imipramine) |
| Spanish | antidepresivo tricíclico |
| Also written | tricyclic antidepressants, tricyclic, tricyclics |
Related terms
antidepressant
A drug used to treat depression and often anxiety, which works by changing the levels of brain chemicals such as serotonin.
anticholinergic
A drug or effect that blocks acetylcholine, a nerve messenger, in parts of the nervous system.
monoamine oxidase inhibitor
A type of antidepressant that blocks an enzyme which breaks down mood chemicals in the brain.
amitriptyline
A tricyclic antidepressant, used for depression and often in low doses for nerve pain, migraine prevention and sleep.