Although tricyclic antidepressants were commonly prescribed because of their effectiveness, many doctors now tend to prescribe selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI) antidepressants first, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, tricyclic antidepressants are still used and prescribed, particularly for those people who have shown a resistance to SSRIs. People considering using this type of antidepressant should talk to their doctor about which specific medication would be best for them.
Amitriptyline
Amitriptyline medications include the brand names Vanatrip, Elavil and Endep. Side effects can include decreased sex drive, impotence, difficulty reaching orgasm, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, trouble concentrating, nightmares, blurred vision, breast swelling or headaches, according to Drugs.com. The average daily dosage amount of amitriptyline is 150 to 300 milligrams per day, according to Aetna Intelihealth.
Desipramine
Desipramine medication is sold under the brand name Norpramin. Side effects can include changes in sexual desire or ability, blurred vision, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, drowsiness, loss of appetite, tiredness, nausea, weakness or difficulty sleeping, according to Drugs.com. The average daily dosage amount of desipramine is 150 to 300 milligrams per day, according to Aetna Intelihealth.
Clomipramine
Clomipramine medication is sold under the brand name Anafranil. Side effects can include diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, drowsiness, headache, irritability, loss of appetite, nightmares, sweating, tiredness, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, weakness or weight loss or gain, according to Drugs.com. The average daily dosage amount of clomipramine is 75 to 250 milligrams per day, according to Aetna Intelihealth.
Doxepin
Doxepin medications include the brand names Adapin and Sinequan. Side effects can include weight changes, weakness, lack of coordination, sleep problems, blurred vision, headache, ringing in the ears, feeling dizzy, drowsiness, tiredness, dry mouth, constipation, nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, numbness or tingly feeling, nightmares, increased sweating, breast swelling, decreased sex drive, impotence or difficulty having an orgasm, according to Drugs.com. The average daily dosage amount of doxepin is 150 to 300 milligrams per day, according to Aetna Intelihealth.
Protriptyline
Protriptyline medication can be sold under the brand name Vivactil. Side effects can include sexual dysfunction, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, dry mouth, unpleasant taste, weakness, lack of coordination, feeling anxious, restless, dizzy, drowsy or tired, insomnia, nightmares, vision changes, ringing in your ears or breast swelling, according to Drugs.com. The average daily dosage amount of protriptyline is 20 to 60 milligrams per day, according to Aetna Intelihealth.
Imipramine
Imipramine medication can be sold under the brand names of Tofranil or Tofrainil-PM. Side effects can include breast development in males, breast enlargement in females, breast milk production, confusion, diarrhea, dry mouth, hallucinations, hives, high blood pressure, low blood pressure upon standing, nausea, numbness, tremors or vomiting, according to Drugs.com. The average daily dosage amount of imipramine is 150 to 300 milligrams per day, according to Aetna Intelihealth.
Trimipramine
Trimipramine medication can be sold under the brand name Surmontil. Side effects can include low fever, mild skin rash, breast swelling in men or women, blurred vision, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, numbness, tingly feeling, vomiting, stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite, weakness, lack of coordination, dry mouth, unpleasant taste and sexual dysfunction, according to Drugs.com. The average daily dosage amount of trimipramine is 75 to 200 milligrams per day, according to Aetna Intelihealth.
Nortriptyline
Nortriptyline medication can be sold under the brand names Pamelor or Aventyl HCI. Side effects can include increased sweating, breast swelling, mild skin rash, blurred vision, headache, ringing in the ears, numbness or tingly feelings, weakness, lack of coordination, dry mouth, unpleasant taste, weight changes, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or loss of appetite, according to Drugs.com. The average daily dosage amount of nortriptyline is 50 to 150 milligrams per day, according to Aetna Intelihealth.
Amoxapine
Amoxapine medication can be sold under the brand names Asendin. Side effects can include low fever, mild skin rash, breast swelling in men or women, blurred vision, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, numbness, tingly feeling, vomiting, stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite, weakness, lack of coordination, dry mouth, unpleasant taste and sexual dysfunction, according to Drugs.com, who also indicate that the average daily dosage amount of amoxapine is 100 to 300 milligrams per day.
