ABSTRACT
This chapter describes trade name, classification, approved Indications for psychological disorders, available dosage forms, storage, and compatibility, usual dosage and administration, and clinically significant drug interactions of Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA). Safety and efficacy of TCA pharmacotherapy for women who are pregnant have not been generally established. Avoid prescribing TCA pharmacotherapy to women who are pregnant. Safety and efficacy of TCA pharmacotherapy for the symptomatic management of depressive disorders among children younger than 12 years of age have not been established. Precise daily dosages for the TCAs that will be therapeutically beneficial for all patients have not been established. Routine monitoring of TCA blood concentrations is not warranted but may be useful to evaluate the patient’s ability to manage his or her TCA pharmacotherapy or confirm suspected toxicity. Concurrent alcohol use may increase the CNS depressant action of the TCAs.
