Tricyclics

U.S. Brand Names: Adapin®, Anafranil®, Elavil®, Janimmine®, Ludiomil®, Pamelor®, Pertofrane®, Sinequan®, Surmontil®, Tofranil®, Vivactil®

Use: Used to treat depression.

Contraindications: Do not use these medicines if you have heart problems, if you drink alcohol, while you are taking other sedatives and tranquilizers, and while you are taking some cold medicines and stomach remedies.

Adverse Reactions: Anxiety, brainfog, inability to concentrate normally, feverish feeling, increased perspiration, restlessness, sleep difficulties, and trembling. Other common side effects of this class of drugs include blurred vision, constipation, dilation of pupils, dizziness when standing up quickly, dry eyes, dry mouth, palpitations, rapid heartbeat, sedation, sensitivity to light, sexual dysfunction, urinary hesitancy, and weight gain. Side effects of each individual drug are listed below.

• Adapin® and Sinequan® (Doxepin): Dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, drowsiness, and weight gain are relatively common side effects of these drugs. Orthostatic hypotension and cardiac arrhythmias are rare side effects.
  
  
• Anafranil® (Clomipramine): Dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, drowsiness, weight gain, and cardiac arrhtymias are relatively common side effects. Orthostatic hypotension and gastrointestinal distress are rare side effects.
  
  
• Elavil® (Amitriptyline): Dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, drowsiness, orthostatic hypotension, and weight gain are all relatively common side effects. Cardiac arrhythmias are rare side effects.
  
  
• Janimine® and Tofranil® (Imipramine): Weight gain, cardiac arrhythmias, dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, drowsiness, and cardiac arrhythmias are relatively common side effects. Gastrointestinal distress is a rare side effect.
  
  
• Ludiomil® (Maprotiline): Drowsiness is a relatively common side effect. Dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, orthostatic hypotension, weight gain, and cardiac arrhythmias are rare side effects.
  
  
• Pamelor® (Nortiptyline): Drowsiness, weight gain, cardiac arrthymias, dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, and orthostatic hypotension are rare side effects.
  
  
• Pertofrane® (Desipramine): Dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, drowsiness, weight gain, cardiac arrthymias, and orthostatic hypotension are rare side effects.
  
  
• Surmontil® (Trimipramine): Dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, drowsiness, weight gain, cardiac arrthymias, and orthostatic hypotension are relatively common side effects.
  
  
• Vivactil® (Protriptyline): Cardiac arrthymias are relatively common side effects. Drowsiness, orthostatic hypotension, dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, and constipation are rare side effects.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

U.S. Brand Names: Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®; Parnate®

Use: Used to treat depression.

Contraindications: MAO inhibitors require strict dietary restrictions and can have potent drug interactions.

Adverse Reactions: Common side effects include dry mouth, light-headedness, dizziness, low blood pressure, headache (mild), sleepiness, tiredness, weakness, trouble sleeping, muscle twitching during sleep, shakiness, trembling, restlessness, blurred vision, weight gain, reduced tolerance for alcohol, decreased amount of urine, decreased sexual ability, increased appetite (especially for sweets) and weight gain. Less common side effects include high blood pressure (which may occur if you eat restricted foods or take certain medications). Stop using the MAO inhibitor and get emergency help if you experience signs of dangerously high blood pressure including: severe chest pain, fast or slow heartbeat, severe headaches, severe dizziness or lightheadedness, increased sweating (possibly with fever or cold, clammy skin), nausea or vomiting, stiff or sore neck, swelling of feet or lower legs, increased sensitivity to light, and enlarged pupils. Rare side effects include dark urine, fever, skin rash, slurred speech, sore throat, staggering walk, yellow eyes or skin.

Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SRIs)

U.S. Brand Names: Celexa®, Desyrel®, Effexor®, Luvox®, Paxil®, Prozac®, Serzone®, Zoloft®

Use: Used to treat depression.

Contraindications: These drugs are extremely expensive, and there are no generic forms available. Do not drink alcohol while taking these drugs.

Adverse Reactions: Mild nausea, sexual dysfunction (primarily ejaculatory delay), headaches, excessive sweating, upset stomach, diarrhea, sleep disturbances, drowsiness, and tremor. Side effects of each individual drug are listed below.

• Celexa® (Citalopram): Gastrointestinal distress is a relatively common side effect.
  
  
• Desyrel® (Trazodone): Drowsiness and orthostatic hypotension are relatively common side effects. Weight gain, cardiac arrthymias and gastrointestinal distress are rare side effects.
  
  
• Effexor® (Venlafaxine): Gastrointestinal distress is a relatively common side effect. Dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, drowsiness, and cardiac arrthymias are rare side effects.
  
  
• Luxox® (Fluvoxamine): Gastrointestinal distress is a relatively common side effect.
  
  
• Paxil® (Paroxetine): Gastrointestinal distress is a relatively common side effect. Drowsiness, weight gain, dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, and constipation are rare side effects.
  
  
• Prozac® (Fluoxetine): Gastrointestinal distress is a relatively common side effect.
  
  
• Serzone® (Nefazodene): Gastrointestinal distress, drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, and constipation are rare side effects.
  
  
• Zoloft® (Sertraline): Gastrointestinal distress is a relatively common side effect.