Tricyclic antidepressants Health Dictionary

This group of drugs is one of three main types of drugs used to treat DEPRESSION, and was the ?rst to be introduced (in the 1950s). Tricyclic drugs work by blocking the re-uptake of the neurotransmitters SEROTONIN and NORADRENALINE (see NEUROTRANSMITTER), thus increasing the amount of the neurotransmitters at the nerve cell’s receptors. In people with depression, fewer neurotransmitters than normal are released, resulting in a slowing of neural activities. The drugs have a sedative e?ect, which can be useful for depressives with sleep problems, and an antimuscarinic action which can cause dry mouth and constipation (see ANTIMUSCARINE). Overdosage can produce COMA, ?ts (see SEIZURE) and irregular heart rhythm (ARRHYTHMIA). They are sometimes used for treating bed-wetting. (See also ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGS.)... tricyclic antidepressant drugs

Agents that lift depression without sedation. Thymoleptics. Mood raisers. They may exert an antagonising action or specifically influence any particular organ that might be responsible i.e., Dandelion for depression caused by a congested liver; Hawthorn for circulatory stasis and Skullcap for cerebral congestion.

As indicated: Oats, Kola nuts, Balmony, Ginseng, Damiana, Lavender, Ladyslipper, Rosemary, Vervain. Yerbe Mate tea is used in Paraguay for this purpose.

For neurotic depression with obsessive and phobic states: Black Cohosh, Damiana, Kola, Betony and Oats.

No behavioural changes in children have been observed. Impressive safety record. Little effect upon the cardiovascular system. ... antidepressants