Articles
Tricyclic antidepressants and tetracyclic antidepressants
Content
How cyclic antidepressants work
Cyclic antidepressants approved to treat depression
Possible side effects and cautions
Safety issues
Suicide risk and antidepressants
Stopping treatment with cyclic antidepressants
Finding the right antidepressant
Content
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants, also called cyclic antidepressants, are among the earliest antidepressants developed. They're effective, but they've generally been replaced by antidepressants that cause fewer side effects. However, cyclic antidepressants may be a good option for some people. In certain cases, they relieve depression when other treatments have failed.
Cyclic antidepressants are designated as tricyclic or tetracyclic, depending on the number of rings in their chemical structure — three (tri) or four (tetra).
