Tricyclic antidepressants are licensed to treat depression, although some are also approved to treat other conditions, such as bedwetting, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Although it is not completely understood how tricyclic antidepressants work, it is thought that they can alleviate symptoms of depression by keeping certain chemicals in the brain longer. The medication is taken by mouth either several times a day or once a day at bedtime. The dosage of tricyclic antidepressants your healthcare provider prescribes will vary depending on several factors, such as the specific type of tricyclic antidepressant being used, the medical condition being treated, other medical conditions you may have, and other medications you are taking.
(Click Tricyclic Antidepressants for more information about how tricyclic antidepressants work, their potential side effects, and tips on when and how to take the medication.)