How Does a Tricyclic Antidepressant Work?
The term “tricyclic” refers to the chemical structure of these antidepressants. A tricyclic antidepressant blocks cell receptors from absorbing too much serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, three brain transmitters that affect mood. Low levels of these chemicals are associated with depression. By boosting the levels of all three, tricyclic antidepressants improve mood and ease depression symptoms.
