Neurological (Tricyclic Antidepressants)

Question 1

Examples of drug (Tricyclic Antidepressants)

Answer 1

• Amitriptyline
• Imipramine
• Doxepin

Question 2

Mechanism of action (Tricyclic Antidepressants)

Answer 2

• Stops the reuptake of monoamines
• Binds to monoamine pump at pre-synaptic cleft
• The reduced reuptake of norepinephrine and/or serotonin combats depression

Question 3

Indications (Tricyclic Antidepressants)

Answer 3

• Depression
• Panic disorders
• Neuropathic pain

Question 4

Side effects (Tricyclic Antidepressants)

Answer 4

• Sedation (anti-histaminergic effects)
• Postural hypotension, tachycardia (anti-adrenergic effects)
• Urinary retention, dry mouth, blurred vision / diplopia (anti-cholinergic effects)

Question 5

Important pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (Tricyclic Antidepressants)

Answer 5

• Blocks histamine-H1 receptors, α1-adrenergic receptors and muscarinic receptors, which accounts for their sedative, hypotensive and anticholinergic effects
• Well absorbed orally
• First pass effect (liver)

Question 6

Patient information (Tricyclic Antidepressants)

Answer 6

• Reduction in depressive symptoms may take several weeks to appear.

Question 7

Other information (Tricyclic Antidepressants)

Answer 7

• Tricylcic antidepressant overdose can be serious causing seziures and cardiac arrythymias.