In low doses, these medications may cause drowsiness and sleep.
This can be helpful when sleep disorders are a symptom of PMS.
Side Effects
The side effects of TCAs may include:
- Constipation.
- Dry mouth.
- Blurred vision.
- Drowsiness.
- Lowered blood pressure.
- Weight gain.
- Tremors, sweating.
- Urinary retention.
- Loss of sexual desire or ability.
Side effects decrease as you continue treatment.
FDA Advisory. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
has issued an advisory to patients, families, and health care
providers to closely monitor adults and children taking
antidepressants for signs of suicide. This is especially important
at the beginning of treatment or when doses are changed.
The FDA also advises that patients be observed for increases in
anxiety, panic attacks, agitation, irritability, insomnia,
impulsivity, hostility, and mania. It is most important to watch for
these behaviors in children, who may be less able to control their
impulsivity as much as adults and therefore may be at greater risk
for suicidal impulses. The FDA has not recommended that people stop
using antidepressants, but simply to monitor those taking the
medications and, if concerns arise, to contact a health
professional.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug
Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Tricyclic antidepressants are taken every day throughout the
menstrual cycle. By comparison, an SSRI antidepressant can be taken
for only the premenstrual part of each cycle to treat PMS-related
symptoms.
TCAs take 4 to 6 weeks to effectively relieve PMS symptoms.
When considering TCA treatment, compare the possible benefits
against the costs of treatment and possible side effects. You can
discuss these with your health professional.
