Tricyclic/Tetracyclic Medications

Question 1

Side effects of tricyclic and tetracyclic drugs

Answer 1

Anticholinergic: dry mouth, blurry vision, urinary retention, constpation
Sedation;
Orthostatic hypotension (alpha-adrenergic blockade);
Tachycardia, QT prolongation
Weight gain (anti-H1 effect)
Risk of falling in elderly

Question 2

Average halflife of tricyclic/tetracyclic medications

Answer 2

16 hours

Question 3

Amitriptyline: Class of compound, side effects, halflife?

Answer 3

Tertiary amine, highly anticholinergic, very sedating, 20h

Question 4

Doxepin: Class of compound, side effects, halflife?

Answer 4

Tertiary amine, highly anticholinergic, very sedating, 16h

Question 5

Imipramine: Class of compound, side effects, halflife?

Answer 5

Tertiary amine, highly anticholinergic, 20h

Question 6

Trimipramine: Class of compound, side effects, halflife?

Answer 6

Tertiary amine, highly anticholinergic, very sedating, 22h

Question 7

Despipramine: Class of compound, side effects, halflife?

Answer 7

Secondary amine, least anticholinergic, not sedating, 24h

Question 8

Nortriptyline: Class of compound, side effects, halflife?

Answer 8

Secondary amine, less anticholinergic, 12h

Question 9

Protriptyline: Class of compound, side effects, halflife?

Answer 9

Secondary amine, Psychomotor stimulation, less anticholinergic, not sedating, 6h

Question 10

Amoxapine: Class of compound, side effects, halflife?

Answer 10

Tetracyclic; May cause extrapyramidal syndrome (metabolite of loxapine), less anticholinergic; 30h