Mayo Clinic Health Manager

Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.

Get Started

Free

E-Newsletter

Subscribe to receive the latest updates on health topics. About our newsletters

  • Housecall
  • Alzheimer's caregiving
  • Living with cancer

continued:

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)
References
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Hall-Flavin DK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 1, 2008.
  4. Antidepressants: Selecting one that's right for you. MayoClinic.com. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/antidepressants/HQ01069. Accessed Oct. 16, 2008.
  5. Buss LK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 21, 2008.

MH00071

Dec. 10, 2008

© 1998-2009 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Reliable tools for healthier lives," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Print Share Reprints

Text Size: smaller largerlarger