Brain and mood
Tricyclic antidepressants
Used for
Nerve pain, migraine prevention; older depression drugs
How it works
Raise serotonin and norepinephrine, but also block other signals, so they cause more side effects like drowsiness and dry mouth.
Watch for
Dangerous in overdose.
- Name clue
- -triptyline
- Examples
- amitriptyline
- nortriptyline (Pamelor)
More in brain and mood
- SSRIsDepression, anxiety
- SNRIsDepression, anxiety, nerve pain
- Atypical antidepressantsDepression; some for quitting smoking or sleep
- BenzodiazepinesAnxiety, panic, seizures, alcohol withdrawal
- Sleep aids ("Z-drugs")Trouble falling asleep (insomnia)
- BarbituratesSeizures; tension headaches (butalbital)
- AnticonvulsantsSeizures; some for nerve pain, migraine or mood
- Mood stabilizersBipolar disorder
- Atypical antipsychoticsSchizophrenia, bipolar disorder
- CNS stimulantsADHD, narcolepsy
A study and reference aid. Follow the product labeling and your pharmacist for anything about a patient's medicine.
Studying for the PTCE?
Drug classes are a big part of the Medications domain. Gutta's lessons and practice questions cover them, with an explanation for every answer.
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