Tricyclics

Tricyclics include amitriptyline (Elavfl) and imipramine (Tofranil). Possible side effects: drowsiness, dizziness upon standing quickly (due to lowered blood pressure), dry mouth, weight gain, rapid pulse, diarrhea, constipation and blurred vision. Side effects usually decrease with time or as the dosage is adjusted. Interactions: Combined with alcohol, narcotic pain-killers and antihistamines, hazardous sedation may occur. Antacids block the absorption of tricyclics. Tagament (for ulcers) blocks the body's elimination of tricyclics. MAOIs should not be used with tricyclics.

Special precautions: Know the signs of overdose. These include high or low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, agitation and seizures. Overdose can cause death. If you detect any unexpected effects, immediately contact your doctor or go to the hospital Emergency Room.

These medications can cause uncomfortable symptoms if they are stopped abruptly, especially from a higher dose. Therefore, have a discussion with your doctor before you stop this medication.

Tricyclics are used to treat a broad variety of disorders including different types of depression, different types of pain, and anxiety disorders including OCD.

MAOIs

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate), are mainly prescribed for patients with “atypical” depression or who do not respond well to other medications. Signs of atypical depression include overeating and oversleeping. MAOIs are also used to treat other disorders including anxiety disorders.

Possible side effects: drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, weakness, dry mouth, headaches and weight gain. MAOIs can also cause severe interactions with certain foods, beverages and other drugs, leading to a severe headache and a life-threatening rise in blood pressure. Wines, beer, cheese, smoked fish, beef or chicken liver, sausage, fava or bean pods, yeast, protein extracts and vitamin supplements all are to be avoided when taking MAOls. Follow your doctor's instructions for which foods, beverages and other drugs to avoid. Be sure to get the complete list.

Agents used to treat diabetes can be enhanced by MAOIs, which can lead to low blood sugar. Using MAOIs with over-the-counter drugs for nasal congestion can produce high blood pressure.

These medications can cause uncomfortable symptoms if they are stopped abruptly, especially from a higher dose. Therefore, have a discussion with your doctor before you stop this medication.

Special precautions: Know the signs of overdose. These include high or low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, agitation and seizures. Overdose can cause death. If you detect any unexpected effects, immediately contact your doctor or go to the hospital Emergency Room.

CAUTION: NAMI-NYS does not give medical advice. This page is for informational purposes only. Discuss all medication and medical decisions with your physician.