Which medication is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)?

Which medication is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)?

• A. Amitriptyline
• B. Desvenlafaxine
• C. Phenelzine
• D. Lithium

Answer: (A)

Tricyclic antidepressants are defined by their three-ring chemical structure and by blocking the reuptake of both norepinephrine and serotonin, boosting those neurotransmitters in the brain to lift mood. Amitriptyline is a classic example of this class, so it’s the correct pick. The others belong to different drug categories: desvenlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, and lithium is a mood stabilizer used in bipolar disorder. Hence, amitriptyline is the TCA among the options.

Tricyclic antidepressants are defined by their three-ring chemical structure and by blocking the reuptake of both norepinephrine and serotonin, boosting those neurotransmitters in the brain to lift mood. Amitriptyline is a classic example of this class, so it’s the correct pick. The others belong to different drug categories: desvenlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, and lithium is a mood stabilizer used in bipolar disorder. Hence, amitriptyline is the TCA among the options.