Which drug is a tricyclic antidepressant?

Which drug is a tricyclic antidepressant?

• A. Amitriptyline
• B. Fluoxetine
• C. Doxepin
• D. Sertraline

Answer: (C)

Tricyclic antidepressants are an older class that work mainly by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin, increasing their levels in the brain. They also tend to block other receptors (muscarinic, histamine, and alpha-1), which explains common side effects like dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, and constipation. Among the options, amitriptyline and doxepin are TCAs, while fluoxetine and sertraline are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). So, both amitriptyline and doxepin fit the TCA category; the others do not. If you had to name a prototypical example, amitriptyline is a well-known classic TCA, with doxepin also belonging to that class.

Tricyclic antidepressants are an older class that work mainly by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin, increasing their levels in the brain. They also tend to block other receptors (muscarinic, histamine, and alpha-1), which explains common side effects like dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, and constipation.

Among the options, amitriptyline and doxepin are TCAs, while fluoxetine and sertraline are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). So, both amitriptyline and doxepin fit the TCA category; the others do not. If you had to name a prototypical example, amitriptyline is a well-known classic TCA, with doxepin also belonging to that class.