Depression is a serious mood disorder that can affect a person's life. Medications, such as antidepressants, are often used to manage the symptoms of depression. Polycyclic antidepressants are one group of antidepressants, which encompasses bicyclic, tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants, according Regina Patrick, author of the article "Antidepressant Use and REM-Sleep Behavior Disorder." Polycyclic antidepressants work by preventing the reuptake of neurotransmitters, thus improving the patient's mood. The most commonly prescribed polycyclic antidepressants are doxepin, amitriptyline, imipramine, desipramine and amoxapine.
Doxepin
Doxepin is one type of polycyclic antidepressant, specifically a tricyclic antidepressant, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Doxepin treats both the symptoms of depression and anxiety, and is available as a capsule or a concentrated liquid. If the patient uses the concentrated liquid, she needs to dilute the medication with 4 ounces of either water, milk or juice. However, doxepin should not be diluted with a carbonated drink. The patient takes doxepin one to three times a day, at the same time each day. In addition, the patient ingests doxepin with or without food.
Amitriptyline
Amitriptyline is another polycyclic antidepressant, according to the NIH, and treats depression symptoms. Since amitriptyline alters levels of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine, it is a tricyclic antidepressant. Amitriptyline is available only as a tablet. The patient takes amitriptyline one to four times a day around the same time every day.
Imipramine
Another polycyclic antidepressant, imipramine also treats depression symptoms, according to the NIH. Specifically, imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant. Imipramine is available in two forms: tablet and capsule. Taken with or without food, imipramine doses are given one or more times a day.
Desipramine
Desipramine is also a type of polycyclic antidepressant, in particular a tricyclic antidepressant, according to the NIH. Used to treat depression symptoms, desipramine is available as a tablet. The patient can take desipramine with or without food. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, the patient will take desipramine one or more times a day, around the same time each day.
Amoxapine
The last commonly prescribed polycyclic antidepressant, amoxapine, is also a tricyclic antidepressant, according to the NIH. Available as a tablet, amoxapine is taken one or more times a day, around the same time every day.
