Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA): Pharmacology Made Easy & Relevant

In this episode of This Is Why, we dig into the psychiatric pharmacology of the tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) — not just as legacy antidepressants, but as practical tools for neuropathic pain, migraine prophylaxis, fibromyalgia, IBS-related pain, and insomnia. We’ll connect structure (tertiary vs. secondary amines) to the psychopharmacology of the mechanism, side effects, and real-world choices, then tackle the big safety issue: sodium-channel blockade → QRS widening/QT prolongation, seizures, and what to do in an overdose (including why hypertonic sodium works).

👉 Get free downloads, study tables, playlists, newsletters, and bonus materials for this topic at https://www.thisiswhy.health/topics/p...

👉 Get more with a free membership at https://www.thisiswhy.health/
Access free downloads from our videos
Access deep dive content from Dr. Busti
Organize content via playlists & collections
Join live Q&A
Receive member newsletters
Coupons & discounts for exam prep resources

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to TCAs: Tricyclic Antidepressants
01:45 TCA Modern Indications: Neuropathic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Insomnia & MDD
02:36 TCA Drug Lineup: Tertiary vs Secondary Amines
04:06 Mechanism of Action: Serotonin vs Norepinephrine Reuptake & Structure Differences
05:31 TCA Clinical Uses & Pain Syndromes: IBS, Neuralgia, Migraine Prophylaxis
12:40 Side Effects: Anticholinergic Burden, Sedation, Orthostasis & CNS Toxicity
16:11 Receptor Targets: Histamine, Alpha-1, Muscarinic & Sodium Channel Effects
18:47 Warnings & contraindications (suicidality, MAOIs, cardiac risk)
20:10 Pharmacokinetics & Metabolism: CYP Pathways, Active Metabolites & Drug Interactions
21:06 Drug Interactions (QT Prolongers, serotonergic meds, stimulants)

👍 If this helped you, please like, subscribe, and share it with a classmate or colleague. That will help this new channel continue producing free, high-yield medical education content.

🔔 Don’t forget to turn on notifications so you don’t miss upcoming lectures on diuretics, antihypertensives, antibiotics, and more!

#TCAPharmacology #TricyclicAntidepressants #PsychiatryPharmacology #medicaleducation #pharmacologymadeeasy

Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard in this content.