1. TRICYCLICS (TCA)

2. HOW DO THEY WORK? Tricyclic antidepressants are used to treat depression and some other conditions. They often take 2-4 weeks to work fully. A normal course of antidepressants lasts at least six months after symptoms have eased. Tricyclic antidepressants increase levels of norepinephrine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters, and block the action of acetylcholine, another neurotransmitter. Scientists believe that by restoring the balance in these neurotransmitters in the brain that tricyclic antidepressants alleviate depression. TCA is prevented from binding to the receptor sites of the postsynaptic membrane therefore resulting in a build up of neurotransmitters in the synapse therefore more of it is available reducing depressive symptoms.

3. SIDE EFFECTS Dry mouth Constipation Sweating Slight hesitancy in passing urine Slight blurring of vision

4. EFFECTIVENESS OF TCA TCA’s have been shown to produce a more significant reduction in depressive symptoms compared to a placebo (Arroll et al.) However some psychologists claim they do not work, only acting as placebo so it is debatable whether they really are effective

5. APPROPRIATENESS OF TCA TCA’s are tolerated less than SSRI’s which means that patients are less likely to continue treatment and recover (Montgomery et al.) Double blind studies (Geller et al.) have consistently failed to demonstrate the superiority of antidepressant medication over placebos when given to children and adolescents. Drug may seem initially more appropriate than other types of treatment because they get rid of the symptoms however they are not always best for long term as they don’t get rid of the cause