Tricyclic antidepressants potential advantages

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) modulate various brain neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and serotonin, by blocking reuptake presynaptically. The secondary amines (desipramine, nortriptyline) are more selective for noradrenergic function and have less side effects in sensitive populations. Advantages of this class of drugs include their relative long half life (approximately 12 hours), absence of abuse potential, and putative positive effects on mood and anxiety, sleep, and tics. 

Although the efficacy of tricyclic antidepressants in the treatment of unipolar depression is beyond reproach, the side-effect profile of these agents makes them less desirable as first-line therapeutic agents. Introduction of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, citalopram and fluvoxamine in the past decade has revolutionized the treatment of depression universally. The side-effect profile of SSRIs, such as nausea, diarrhea and sexual dysfunction, is considerably more benign than that of tricyclic drugs. Multiple controlled trials have proven the efficacy of SSRIs vs. placebo (Nemeroff, 1994). Recently, a number of SNRIs (serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors) and so-called atypical antidepressants have been marketed that may have additional advantages over SSRIs, such as more rapid onset of action (venlafaxine. mirtazapine) and low sexual side-effect potential ( bupropion, nefazodone). Additionally, it appears that venlafaxine may be more efficacious in cases of treatment-refractory depression (Clerc et al., 1994 Fatemi et al., 1999). Finally, in a recent report (Thase et al., 2001),... 

Overall, amoxapine appears to have some advantage over other tricyclic antidepressants possible earlier onset of action and relative freedom from serious cardiotoxic effects. Its major drawbacks are the potential for neuroleptic adverse effects, a high incidence of seizures, deaths in overdose (2), and the possibility of long-term neurological damage. 

The interactions of tricyclic antidepressants with MAO inhibitors are so dangerous that they constitute a formidable barrier to their combined clinical use. The temptation to treat refractory patients with this combination is great, but considerable care should be taken (169,170), and it should be remembered that there is no firm proof of the superiority of such combinations. Several reviewers (171-173) have concluded that the dangers of these interactions have been overstated and the potential therapeutic advantages underestimated. On the other hand, reports of serious and fatal complications continue to appear (174,175). Specialists have advised that the combination of an MAO inhibitor with trimipramine or amitriptyline is usually safe, but that imipramine and clomipramine must be avoided. 

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