Final answer:
Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine and amitriptyline are used to treat major depression. These tertiary amines are effective but may cause drowsiness and lightheadedness, and their mood-improving effects usually take several weeks to emerge. SSRIs and other treatments like psychotherapy are also common for depression management.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine and amitriptyline are commonly used to treat major depression. They are chemically similar to phenothiazines but have structural differences that prevent ring conjugation, affecting their psychoactive properties. Although their use has declined due to the rise in popularity of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), TCAs are still prescribed, especially when other treatments have failed. It's important to note that while TCAs can make individuals without depression feel sleepy and even more anxious, they typically improve mood in depressed patients after two to three weeks of consistent administration.
Depression treatments vary and also include SSRIs, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), psychotherapy, and brain stimulation techniques. Tertiary amines like imipramine and amitriptyline belong to the TCA group and are known to be effective in treating depression, even though they can also lead to unpleasant effects such as drowsiness and lightheadedness in non-depressed individuals. Professional consultation is crucial when managing depression and considering medication options, as depressive symptoms can be complex and treatment needs to be individualized.