Cyclic antidepressants (CAs) contain a 3-ring molecular structure.
Cyclic medications balance certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that cause depression when out of balance. Cyclic antidepressants relieve depression in about 60% of people with depression. Cyclic antidepressants tend to have more common and more serious side effects than other, newer types of antidepressant medications, such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Possible side effects of cyclic antidepressants initially (including insomnia, tremor, or both) may last up to the first two to three weeks of treatment. Weight gain can be as much as one pound per month with about 25% of patients gaining 20 pounds or more. Dangerous in overdose. Some of these medications are not given to older adults.
These medications cause too many bad side effects. The effects of CA overdose on the cardiovascular system result mainly from CAs' impediment of the cardiac conduction system. Cyclic antidepressants usually are not given to people with certain heart problems, such as irregular heartbeats or low blood pressure.CA toxicity occurs in both men and women. However, the incidence of CA exposure is greater in women than in men because women are at a higher risk for suicide attempts. CA toxicity occurs at all ages. Incidence of CA toxicity is most prevalent in persons aged 20-29 years. These medications need to be started at low doses, and the dose should be increased gradually to reduce the severity of side effects. Do not suddenly stop taking these medications.
