Information about the tricyclic class of antidepressants. These are "tried-and-true" medications that have been used for years. The most common side effects of tricyclic antidepressants, and ways to deal with them, are:
- Dry mouth --it is helpful to drink lots of water; chew sugarless gum; clean teeth daily.
- Constipation --bran cereals, prunes, fruit, and vegetables should be in the diet.
- Bladder problems --emptying the bladder may be troublesome, and the urine stream may not be as strong as usual; the doctor should be notified if there is any pain.
- Sexual problems --sexual functioning may change; if worrisome, it should be discussed with the doctor.
- Blurred vision --this will pass soon and will not necessitate new glasses.
- Dizziness --rising from the bed or chair slowly is helpful.
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Drowsiness as a daytime problem --this usually passes soon. A person feeling drowsy or sedated should not drive or operate heavy equipment. The more sedating antidepressants are generally taken at bedtime to help sleep and minimize daytime drowsiness.
- Tricyclic Antidepressants Information from the National Library of Medicine
- Adapin or Sinequan (doxepin) - Information from the Depression Guide
- Anafranil (clomipramine) - Information from the Depression Guide
- Elavil or Endep (amitriptyline) - Information from the Depression Guide
- Ludiomil (maprotiline) - Information from the Depression Guide
- Norpramin (desipramine) - Information from the Depression Guide
- Pamelor (nortryptyline) - Information from the Depression Guide
- Pertofrane (desipramine) - Information from the Depression Guide
- Surmontil (trimipramine) - Information from the Depression Guide
- Tofranil (imipramine) - Information from the Depression Guide
- Vivactil (protriptyline) - Information from the Depression Guide
Side effect information from the National Institute of Mental Health, excerpted from a brochure on depression.
