Tricyclic antidepressants, TCAs

TCAs have a long record of efficacy in the treatment of depression and have the advantage of lower cost. They are used less commonly because of the need to titrate the dose to a therapeutic level and because of their considerable toxicity in overdose. TCAs are often prescribed for many other psychiatric disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder. They are also used to treat chronic pain, such as neuropathy, and migraine headaches.

Amitriptyline (Elavil)

Amitriptyline inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and, more potently, serotonin at the presynaptic neuronal membrane, which increases concentration in the CNS. It has a high affinity for histamine H1 and muscarinic M1 receptors. Amitriptyline can cause weight gain, sedation, and anticholinergic side effects. It is often used for non–FDA-approved indications, such as chronic pain management, diabetic neuropathy, migraine prophylaxis, and posttraumatic stress disorder.

Desipramine (Norpramin)

Desipramine inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and, more potently, norepinephrine at the presynaptic neuronal membrane. It is a commonly used TCA that is relatively less sedating and tends to have fewer anticholinergic and antihistaminic adverse effects than other TCAs. It is sometimes used for off-label indications such as peripheral neuropathy and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Imipramine (Tofranil)

Imipramine is one of the oldest agents available for the treatment of depression. It is demethylated in the liver to desipramine. Imipramine inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and, more potently, serotonin at the presynaptic neuronal membrane. It has a strong affinity for alpha-adrenergic, H1, and M1 receptors. Common side effects include orthostasis, sedation, weight gain, and anticholinergic effects. It is also used off-label in the treatment of panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Clomipramine (Anafranil)

Clomipramine potently inhibits the reuptake of serotonin at the presynaptic neuronal membrane. It has strong affinities to both H1 and M1 receptors, which results in sedation, weight gain, and anticholinergic side effects. Although clomipramine is FDA approved only for obsessive-compulsive disorder, it has also been prescribed for depression, panic attacks, and chronic pain.

Nortriptyline (Pamelor)

Nortriptyline blocks the reuptake of serotonin and, more potently, norepinephrine at the presynaptic neuronal membrane. It has less affinity for H1 and M1 receptors and, thus, is better tolerated than other TCAs. Although nortriptyline is FDA approved only for depression, it has also been prescribed for chronic pain, myofascial pain, anxiety disorders, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. As with desipramine, there is a therapeutic window for nortriptyline

Protriptyline (Vivactil)

Protriptyline increases the synaptic concentration of norepinephrine in the CNS by inhibiting reuptake at the presynaptic neuronal membrane. It has less affinity for H1 and M1 receptors and, thus, is better tolerated than tertiary amine TCAs.

Doxepin (Sinequan, Silenor)

Doxepin increases the concentration of serotonin and norepinephrine in the CNS by inhibiting their reuptake at the presynaptic neuronal membrane. These effects are associated with a decrease in the symptoms of depression. It has the highest affinity for H1 receptors of all TCAs and, thus, is very sedating and can cause weight gain.

Trimipramine (Surmontil)

Trimipramine inhibits reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin at the presynaptic neuron and elicits strong anticholinergic effects. It has a high affinity for the H1 receptor and is thus very sedating, but it is useful for gastroesophageal reflux.

Amoxapine

Amoxapine inhibits reuptake of norepinephrine and, to a lesser extent, serotonin at the presynaptic neuron. It also blocks dopamine receptors, causing it to have antipsychotic activity, as well.

Дата добавления: 2015-07-12