Final answer:
The common side effects of tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, doxepin, nortriptyline, and amoxapine include weight gain, fatigue, dry mouth, and constipation. These medications require consistent use over weeks for their mood-elevating effects in treating depression. Side effects vary by individual and the treatment should be closely monitored by healthcare professionals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Common Side Effects of Tricyclic Antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like amitriptyline, doxepin, nortriptyline, and amoxapine are commonly prescribed for the treatment of major depression. They work by altering the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. However, they also come with a range of potential side effects. The most common side effects reported by patients using these medications include weight gain, fatigue, dizziness, loss of sexual desire, nausea, dry mouth, blurred vision, agitation, insomnia, and constipation. Each individual may experience side effects differently, and the severity can vary.
Moreover, the tricyclic antidepressants are not recommended to be taken on an "as-needed" basis because their effects are more gradual and require consistent use over a period, usually weeks, to produce mood elevation in patients with depression.
It's important to monitor patients for side effects and to adjust the treatment accordingly to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life. Mental health conditions and treatments are complex and require close supervision by a healthcare professional. The mechanism of action for these drugs includes attenuation of the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical system, as seen with the antidepressant amitriptyline.