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Copyright 2006 www.stopdepressiontoday.com
Cyclic Antidepressants: Unicyclics, Bicyclics, Tricyclics, and Tetracyclics
The first tricyclic, Imipramine (Tofranil, Janimine, SK-Pramine), was introducted in 1958. Amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep, Amitid) was released shortly after. Subsequently, six other tricyclics have been marketed in the United States for treating depression. More recently, structurally different (nontricyclic) antidepressants have appeared. These include the brand names Wellbutrin, Prozac, Zoloft, Desyrel, and Ludiomil.
All of these drugs show similar effectiveness in treating major depression. A particular individual, however, may respond to one and not the other, and this is usually not predictable. Certain types of depression (psychotic, atypical, bipolar) may respond better to a particular drug. Antidepressant medications differ in the side effects they may cause and this may suggest the use of one medication over another in a particular individual. Individuals who must remain alert might be given an antidepressant with low sedative effects. Those who have trouble sleeping are often given a more sedating antidepressant.
The first tricyclic, Imipramine (Tofranil, Janimine, SK-Pramine), was introducted in 1958. Amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep, Amitid) was released shortly after. Subsequently, six other tricyclics have been marketed in the United States for treating depression. More recently, structurally different (nontricyclic) antidepressants have appeared. These include the brand names Wellbutrin, Prozac, Zoloft, Desyrel, and Ludiomil.
All of these drugs show similar effectiveness in treating major depression. A particular individual, however, may respond to one and not the other, and this is usually not predictable. Certain types of depression (psychotic, atypical, bipolar) may respond better to a particular drug. Antidepressant medications differ in the side effects they may cause and this may suggest the use of one medication over another in a particular individual. Individuals who must remain alert might be given an antidepressant with low sedative effects. Those who have trouble sleeping are often given a more sedating antidepressant.