Treating Depression with Tricyclics and Tetracyclics

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and tetracyclic antidepressants (TeCAs) are older classes of antidepressant medications that are still used today in certain cases. They work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine.

TCAs were some of the first antidepressants developed and were widely used in the 1950s and 1960s. They are effective in treating depression, but they also have many side effects, such as dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and urinary retention. Overdoses of TCAs can be fatal.

TeCAs, which include medications such as mirtazapine and maprotiline, were developed in the 1980s and 1990s. They also work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, but they have fewer side effects than TCAs. They are often used in cases where other antidepressants have not been effective.

TCAs and TeCAs are not usually the first choice for treating depression because of their side effects, but they can be effective in certain cases. As with all medications, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor and to closely monitor any side effects if you are taking these medications.