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Side Effects of Tricyclics

Trycyclics are a type of antidepressant used in patients that suffer from severe mental depression. This medication has also been effective in treating bed-wetting in children and certain types of obsessive-compulsive disorders. As with most antidepressant medications, there are a number of side effects that have been reported while using the drug.

  1. Common Side Effects

    • As mentioned, there are certain side effects associated with using tricyclics. Some of these side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, dry mouth, nausea, increased appetite, unpleasant taste, weight gain, weakness, diarrhea, heartburn and increased sweating. While these are considered the most common side effects, they only affect a small number of users.

    Severe Side Effects

    • Unfortunately, there are also some severe side effects that have been reported while using this class of drugs. Some of these side effects include increased anxiety, breast enlargement, hair loss, milk secretion in females, muscle twitching, development of red or brown spots on the skin, ringing in the ears, skin rash, sore throat, fever, swelling of the mouth and tongue, swelling of the testicles and weakness.

    Important Safety Information

    • Always schedule regular visits with your doctor so that they can ensure that no dosage adjustments are needed and that the medication is working properly. Tricyclics have also been known to add to the effects of alcohol, so drink with extreme moderation while taking this medication. This medication has also been known to cause drowsiness in some individuals, so it is recommended that users do not operate any type of machinery (including an automobile) after taking the medication.

    Usage

    • Always take this medication according to your doctor's orders and never exceed the recommended dosage instructions written on the label. Tricyclics are taken orally in pill form and should be taken with food and water to decrease the chances of an upset stomach. It may take several weeks for you to start feeling better, so please continue using the medication throughout the entire course of the recommended cycle.

    Warning

    • If you experience any of the aforementioned side effects, please consult with your doctor for further instruction.

      If an overdose is suspected, please contact your local poison center and head directly to the emergency room.

      Tricyclics are meant for the treatment of depression, bed-wetting,and obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms only and should not be taken for any other medical condition unless specifically prescribed by your doctor.

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