Alternative medicine (1)
- Treatment-resistant depression: Explore options when depression doesn't get better
Coping and support (4)
- Support groups: Find information, encouragement and camaraderie
- Depression: Supporting a family member or friend with depression
- Support groups: Share experiences about depression, mental health conditions
- see all in Coping and support
Definition (1)
- Mental health: What's normal, what's not
Lifestyle and home remedies (3)
- Seasonal affective disorder treatment: Choosing a light therapy box
- Meditation: Take a stress-reduction break wherever you are
- Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms
Risk factors (2)
- Depression in women: Understanding the gender gap
- Stress symptoms: Effects on your body, feelings and behavior
Tests and diagnosis (2)
- Mental health providers: Find one to suit your needs
- Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) genotyping test
Treatments and drugs (21)
- Antidepressants: Are they safe during pregnancy?
- Serotonin syndrome
- Family therapy
- see all in Treatments and drugs
Mayo Clinic Health Manager
Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.
Get Startedcontinued:
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
Safety concerns with TCAs
In general, avoid tricyclic antidepressants if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or certain types of heart disease. TCAs are associated with a higher risk of heart attack. If you have diabetes, you may need to check your blood sugar more often while taking TCAs, as they may affect blood sugar levels. TCAs should be used with caution if you have a history of seizures or thyroid problems.
Stopping treatment with TCAs
TCAs aren't considered addictive. However, stopping treatment abruptly or missing several doses can cause withdrawal-like symptoms, including:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Lethargy
- Flu-like symptoms
This is sometimes called discontinuation syndrome. Talk to your doctor before stopping so that you can gradually taper off the medication.
Suicidal feelings and TCAs
In some cases, antidepressants may be associated with worsening symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior in those ages 18 to 24. These symptoms likely occur in the first one to two months of treatment or when you change your dosage. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any changes in your symptoms. You may need more careful monitoring when beginning treatment or changing dosage, or you may need to stop the medication if your symptoms worsen. Adults age 65 and older taking antidepressants have a decreased risk of suicidal thoughts.
Work with your doctor or a mental health provider to nix your irritability, sadness or guilt and boost your mood with tricyclics. Feel good again.
Previous page(2 of 2)
- FDA proposes new warnings about suicidal thinking, behavior in young adults who take antidepressant medications. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01624.html. Accessed Sept. 12, 2008.
- Questions and answers on antidepressant use in children, adolescents, and adults. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/antidepressants/QA20070502.htm. Accessed Sept. 29, 2008.
- Hall-Flavin DK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 1, 2008.
- Antidepressants: Selecting one that's right for you. MayoClinic.com. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/antidepressants/HQ01069. Accessed Oct. 16, 2008.
- Buss LK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 21, 2008.