The tricyclic antidepressants or TCAs are most effective for depression that involves decreased appetite and weight loss, sleep disturbances, psychomotor retardation, and anhedonia. Though they're particularly effective at alleviating the vegetative or somatic symptoms associated with depression, they are not without some potentially serious side effects. One of the main side effects impacts the cardiovascular system producing symptoms like tachycardia, palpitations, hypertension, severe hypotension, and cardiac arrhythmia. Use the study aid below to help remember common TCAs (a person with depression TRIes to be CANDID), side effects (TCAs), and symptoms of cardiotoxicity (3 Cs or TRI-C's).
