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
Stopping treatment with cyclic antidepressants
Cyclic antidepressants aren't considered addictive. However, stopping antidepressant treatment abruptly or missing several doses can cause withdrawal-like symptoms. Symptoms may vary depending on how the drug works. This is sometimes called discontinuation syndrome. Work with your doctor to gradually and safely decrease your dose.
Withdrawal-like symptoms can include:
- Agitation, irritability or anxiety
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Flu-like symptoms, such as chills and muscle aches
- Insomnia
- Lethargy
- Headache
