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Health Library Tricyclic Antidepressants for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)From Healthwise

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Tricyclic Antidepressants for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Examples

Generic NameBrand Name
amitriptyline 
clomipramineAnafranil
desipramineNorpramin
doxepinZonalon
imipramineTofranil
nortriptylineAventyl, Pamelor
protriptylineVivactil
trimipramineSurmontil

How It Works

TCAs improve your mood by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters).

In low doses, these medicines may cause drowsiness and sleep. This can be helpful when sleep disorders are a symptom of PMS.

Why It Is Used

TCAs may be used if PMS is causing:

  • Severe depression.
  • Sleep disturbances.

How Well It Works

Some women with severe premenstrual depression benefit from TCAs. TCAs have not been studied as much as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for their specific effects on PMS mood symptoms.

Side Effects

The side effects of TCAs may include:

  • Constipation.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Drowsiness.
  • Lowered blood pressure.
  • Weight gain.
  • Tremors, sweating.
  • Urinary retention.
  • Loss of sexual desire or ability.

Side effects decrease as you continue treatment.

FDA Advisory. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an advisory on antidepressant medicines and the risk of suicide. The FDA does not recommend that people stop using these medicines. Instead, a person taking antidepressants should be watched for warning signs of suicide. This is especially important at the beginning of treatment or when the doses are changed.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

TCAs take 4 to 6 weeks to effectively relieve PMS symptoms.

When considering TCA treatment, compare the possible benefits against the costs of treatment and possible side effects. You can discuss these with your health professional.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are taken orally every day throughout the menstrual cycle for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. Generally, a low dose is given at first, and the dosage is increased slowly until the medicine takes effect. This helps minimize side effects.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerKathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerKirtly Jones, MD, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last RevisedJune 8, 2010

Last Revised: June 8, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones, MD, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

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