Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) Overview
✔ What are they?
Medications used to treat depression, anxiety, and certain pain conditions by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain. They are older antidepressants but still effective for some individuals.

✔ How to recognize them?
Common examples include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, imipramine, and desipramine.

✔ How do they work?
Increase the levels of neurotransmitters (such as serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain by inhibiting their reuptake → Elevate mood, reduce anxiety, and help with pain management.

✔ Easy trick to remember:
"Tricyclics Tame Thoughts" (They help manage mood and anxiety by adjusting brain chemistry).

✔ Common uses:

• Depression (major depressive disorder)

• Anxiety disorders (such as panic disorder)

• Chronic pain (e.g., neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia)

• Insomnia (due to sedative effects)