What are TCAs and SSRIs?
Tricyclic antidepressants are used to treat abnormalities involving neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, according to the Mayo Clinic. The TCAs “inhibit the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrin” and block certain cell receptors. TCAs were first introduced to the market in the 1960s and remained a top treatment of depression among patients through the 1980s until the development of SSRIs. Common side effects that have been associated with TCAs include: • constipation, urinary retention • drowsiness and dizziness • dry mouth • blurred vision • impaired sexual function • increased heart rate • headache • increased appetite, weight gain • weakness • low blood pressure or increased heart rate • nausea According to the Mayo Clinic, patients of TCAs may have issues with their blood sugar levels, but the drug has never been linked directly to having caused diabetes. Health Insite, an initiative by the Australian government, describes SSRIs as a group of antidepressa
