Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the world, affecting more than 300 million people. It can strike anyone, at any time, for any reason. It can be triggered by situational events or be rooted in underlying biological issues. Whatever the case may be, the sense of sadness, unhappiness, or loneliness that comes with it can be hard to bear. Luckily, there are a number of effective treatment options, including antidepressants. Tricyclic antidepressants are the most common type of the class. They are used to treat a number of different conditions, including depression.
Sasha Matloob, co-founder and CEO of YANA Health Care, offers a range of prescription medications, including tricyclic antidepressants, to treat depression, anxiety, and insomnia effectively. These prescription drugs are FDA-approved with safe yet non-habit-forming prescriptions that help millions worldwide from day one.
In this post, Sasha Matloob will explore what tricyclic antidepressants are, their uses, possible side effects, and more.
What Is A Tricyclic Antidepressant?
According to Sasha Matloob, a tricyclic antidepressant is a type of antidepressant drug that affects chemicals in the brain. Specifically, it affects serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is involved in mood regulation. When medical professionals treat depression, they often prescribe a tricyclic antidepressant first. These drugs are also used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia. Tricyclic antidepressants work by affecting serotonin levels in the brain. The drug increases levels of serotonin in certain parts of the brain, including the hypothalamus, cortex, and hippocampus. This leads to an increase in the mood improvement, a decrease in anxiety, and alleviation of obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
Types of Tricyclic Antidepressants
The CEO of Yana Mental Health Sasha Matloob, indicates that there are many different types of antidepressants available to patients. Some are more effective than others, and some have specific uses. One example is the tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) class. This group of drugs is what you’re likely to encounter when discussing antidepressants. TCAs are very effective at treating depression. They are often a first-line treatment for the condition, especially for people who haven’t responded to other treatments. It’s worth noting, though, that TCA antidepressants are also linked to a host of side effects. You’re likely to experience dry mouth, blurry vision, urinary retention, constipation, and sexual dysfunction. It’s recommended that you see a doctor before beginning any antidepressant treatment, but TCA antidepressants are common. Sasha Matloob shares that TCAs are available at YANA Health Care.
When to Use Tricyclic Antidepressants
If you’re a first-time antidepressant user, a tricyclic antidepressant is a good option. Sasha Matloob shares that this is because they are effective and are also linked to fewer side effects. It’s also worth noting that they are approved to treat a wide range of conditions, including major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. You can also try a tricyclic antidepressant if you’ve tried other antidepressants and they’ve failed to work. The side effects of these drugs are often severe, so you may have opted for a different treatment option in the past.
Should You Take Tricyclic Antidepressants?
If you’re currently experiencing symptoms of depression, Sasha Matloob recommends talking to your doctor. They can help you determine whether a tricyclic antidepressant is right for you. Once you have a prescription, it’s worth talking to your doctor about the short and long-term implications of taking antidepressants. For example, they may recommend that you take a break from antidepressants every few months to give your body a chance to recover. They may also recommend taking an antidepressant that has fewer side effects and less risk of long-term complications. While antidepressants are useful for treating many mental health disorders, they are not a one-size-fits-all option. You will want to make sure that the drug is right for you, and that your long-term health isn’t at risk due to the medication.