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TCA
TCA inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin in the central nervous system, increasing their synaptic availability.
TCA inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin in the central nervous system, increasing their synaptic availability. Used for Major depressive disorder, Chronic pain conditions (neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia), Anxiety disorders.
At a glance
| Generic name | TCA |
|---|---|
| Also known as | MIcrodermabrasion (MDA) |
| Sponsor | Nova Scotia Health Authority |
| Drug class | Tricyclic antidepressant |
| Target | Norepinephrine transporter (NET), Serotonin transporter (SERT) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry, Pain Management |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) block the reuptake transporters for norepinephrine and serotonin at the presynaptic neuron, leading to increased concentrations of these neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft. This enhancement of monoaminergic neurotransmission is thought to improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression and certain pain conditions. TCAs also have anticholinergic and antihistamine properties that contribute to their clinical effects.
Approved indications
- Major depressive disorder
- Chronic pain conditions (neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia)
- Anxiety disorders
Common side effects
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Sedation
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Blurred vision
- Urinary retention
- Cardiac arrhythmias (at high doses)
Key clinical trials
- The Impact of Two-Stage Turnbull-Cutait Pull-Through Coloanal Anastomosis on Stoma-free Survival in Low Rectal Anal-preserving Surgery (NA)
- Vestibulodynia: Understanding Pathophysiology and Determining Appropriate Treatments (PHASE2)
- Study of the Effectiveness of a Systematic Minimal Early Intervention on Care Engagement in Adults With Eating Disorders Requesting Specialized Treatment. (NA)
- Discontination of Antidepressants in Remitted Depression (PHASE4)
- Investigating the Metabolic Pathways in Hormone Receptor Positive/HER2 Negative Breast Cancer (NA)
- Robot/Laparoscopic-Assisted Transanal Transection Duhamel Versus Modified Soave Pull-Through for TCA (NA)
- MRI-Guided Neoadjuvant Treatment De-Escalation in Stage II-III TNBC (PHASE2)
- Evaluation of the Cryocheck HexLA Integrated TCA for the Detection of Lupus Anticoagulant
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |