Drugs of Abuse Tricyclic Antidepressants

Service Description

Antidepressants (ADs) are a category of drugs employed for the treatment or prevention of clinical depression. They work by increasing neurotransmitters, chemicals in the brain, like serotonin and noradrenaline. There are 5 main classes of ADs based on their mechanisms of action and chemical structures. These are: 1. SSRIs - Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors 2. SNRIs - Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors 3. TCAs - Tricyclic Antidepressants 4. MAOIs - Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors 5. Atypical Antidepressants Abuse of these antidepressants refers to the misuse or overuse of antidepressant medications, typically in ways not prescribed by a healthcare professional. This can include taking larger doses than recommended, taking the medication without a prescription, or using it for non-medical purposes. TCAs, developed in the 1950s, were among the first medications used to treat depression. TCAs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, leading to increased levels of these neurotransmitters. Despite their effectiveness, TCAs are associated with a higher risk of side effects compared to newer antidepressants such as SSRIs and SNRIs. Examples of TCAs include amitriptyline, imipramine, and nortriptyline. TCAs urine tests are used to detect the presence (or absence) of TCAs or their metabolites in a person's urine. MARKERS -- TCAs Sample: Urine Results: 1-3 days Appointment Required and Photo ID to be shown