Tricyclic Antidepressants – TCAs – are heterocyclic chemical compounds, and are used chiefly as an antidepressant. First discovered in the 1950s, they were almost mainstream by the end of the 50s. Here is a list of things which you will find with TCAs, their power, and everything else!
What are they?
Prescription drugs, used to treat depression and serious, chronic pain. They are not addictive and were used regularly up until the improvement of the drug-type, bringing us updates like Selective Sorotonin Reputake Inhibitors.
How do you take them?
You can get TCAs in a few formats. The most common format is in tablet form – taken orally – but people who struggle swallowing tablets can ask for a liquid equivalent, taken intravenously, and you can also take it in injection form if need be. Some tricyclic antidepressants that are commonly given out by doctors include, are nortriptyline (Pamelor), imipramine (Tofranil), amitriptyline (Elavil), desipramine (Norpramin), and protriptyline (Vivactil).
Signs of usage – side effects
You can have a list of side-effects for taking these drugs, and they are;
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Increased appetite – eating more than usual
- Weight gain
If you are on TCAs, then please be aware that you can have these symptoms, so be aware of them and if you do get the side-effects, do not allow it to worry you; it is only the drug’s effects.
Withdrawal symptoms
They are not addictive, but stopping treatment or taking them in abrupt and strange patterns can cause symptoms including;
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Lethargy
Reactions
They can cause some mental adjustments too. You can suffer from increased agitation, easily irritated, as well as other abnormal problems you can suffer from. However, beware of the side-effects of;
- Suicidal thoughts
- Bouts of depression
- Sensitive skin
- Rashes
- Itches
- Severe sunburn
An overdose of TCA can also result in severe nervous system depression, which is also the most common cause of death in the entire prescription drug industry.
Youth
Prescription abuse is definitely on the use due to the difficulty in getting recreational drugs, so people are trying to get over problems and addictions to other drugs by becoming stuck on TCAs. Due to the lack of addiction, an improper use, combining TCAs with other drugs or alcohol, can be very serious and potentially fatal, so beware and do not take any other drugs or drink alcohol when on TCAs.
Recent Changes
If you combine the use of TCAs and opiates, you can suffer from a feeling of euphoria, and serious hallucinations. They are widely available through the internet and by prescription from your GP, if he believes that you may need them. They have been replaced in recent years with antidepressants like Selective Sorotonin Reputake Inhibitors – SSRIs – and Seretonini-Neropinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors – SNRIs – which typically have better side-effects.
Detecting Tricyclic Antidepressants with an 18 Panel Urine Drug Test
For comprehensive drug testing that includes the ability to detect tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), the 18 Panel Drug Test with Integrated Cup is an excellent option. This expansive urine drug screen checks for the presence of TCAs alongside 17 other drugs of abuse, including amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cannabis, cocaine, opiates, and many more.
The integrated cup design provides a convenient all-in-one testing solution with temperature strips to check for sample validity. Having such a wide array of drugs tested simultaneously saves time and money compared to conducting multiple individual tests. With clear, accurate results in just 5 minutes, this 18 panel drug test enables employers, courts, treatment programs and others to screen for a broad range of substances, including the older class of tricyclic antidepressant medications, with a single comprehensive test.
Photo: “TCA” by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Testing
Zoom Testing is a leading UK drug testing company and a supplier of Drug Test Kits.
