Tricyclic Antidepressants

Jul 12, 2024

Tricyclic Antidepressants

Overview

  • Presenter: Cathy with Level Up RN
  • Topics: Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
  • Medications: Amitriptyline, Imipramine
  • Uses:
    • Depression
    • Neuropathy
    • Fibromyalgia
    • Anxiety
    • Insomnia

Mode of Action

  • Increases the effect of serotonin and norepinephrine in the CNS

Side Effects

  • Sedation
  • Orthostatic hypotension
  • Anticholinergic effects:
    • Urinary retention
    • Constipation
    • Dry mouth
    • Photophobia
    • Tachycardia
  • Sweating
  • Seizures
  • Arrhythmias

Memory Aids

  • Rhyme: Can’t see, can’t pee, can’t spit, and can’t poop
  • Cool Chicken Hint: Amy tripping over a tricycle in the desert (dry effects)

Patient Teaching Points

  • Change positions slowly (due to orthostatic hypotension)
  • Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy for dry mouth
  • Increase fluid and fiber intake to prevent constipation

Quiz Questions

  1. Question: Diarrhea is a key side effect of amitriptyline. True or false?
    • Answer: False – Anticholinergic effects include constipation
  2. Question: Bradycardia is a key side effect of imipramine. True or false?
    • Answer: False – Anticholinergic effects include tachycardia
  3. Question: You should teach your patient to change positions slowly due to the risk for blank when taking a tricyclic antidepressant.
    • Answer: Orthostatic hypotension