Final answer:
The expected findings of toxicity from tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, doxepin, nortriptyline, and amoxapine commonly include drowsiness, low blood pressure, lightheadedness, and difficulty concentrating. These effects are typically unpleasant in normal subjects but can elevate mood in depressed patients over several weeks of use.
Step-by-step explanation:
Common toxicity symptoms one might expect when taking tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, doxepin, nortriptyline, and amoxapine include drowsiness, hypotension (low blood pressure), lightheadedness, difficulty in concentrating, increased anxiety, and potential mood disturbances. In normal individuals, these side effects are often unpleasant and can lead to a feeling of unhappiness.
Tricyclic antidepressants are notably different from MAOIs in that they may not produce a mood-elevating effect in normal subjects; rather, they tend to induce sedation. However, when administered to patients with depression over several weeks, an improvement in mood is commonly observed. Therefore, these medications are not used on an "as-needed" basis but are prescribed for continuous use over a period of time to treat depression effectively.
Understanding the pharmacodynamics of antidepressants such as amitriptyline is crucial because they influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical system, which may contribute to the variety of effects seen in patients versus normal individuals when these drugs are used.