Tricyclic antidepressants have been around for a long time, having been discovered and subsequently introduced for use in the 1950s. Although they were developed to treat depression, some tricyclic antidepressants also work well as a treatment for anxiety disorders. While their side effects have made them less popular than newer antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants are still prescribed today and remain a good option for some people.
Imipramine (brand name Tofranil) was the first of the tricyclic antidepressants to be developed, and it has been a focus of research on treatments for panic disorder. It is prescribed both for panic disorder and GAD, and has been shown to reduce panic attacks. Clomipramine (brand name Anafranil) is another tricyclic antidepressant prescribed to treat anxiety disorders--it is approved by the FDA to treat obsessive compulsive disorderNorpramin, Pertofrane and others), nortriptyline (Pamelor, Aventyl), amitriptyline (Elavil), and doxepin (Sinequan, Adapin), are also sometimes prescribed to treat anxiety disorders.
Side effects of tricyclic antidepressants vary depending on the particular medication, but can include drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, dizziness, increased appetite, weight gain, changes in sexual functioning, and cardiac arrhythmia.
Related Articles
Norpramin Side Effects
SAM-e For Anxiety
