Tricyclics, e.g. Amitriptyline and impramine, were compounds that were introduced in the 1960s to treat depression by helping boost synaptic levels of serotonin and noradrenalin. They were called 'tricyclics' because their structure contains three amine rings joined together. Tricyclics are not commonly prescribed today and have been superseded by the newer and safer 'selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors' or 'SSRIs' for short. Tricyclics are more effective in treating serious depression than SSRIs, however; so their main use today would in those cases where the patient's depression is resistant to SSRIs or other types of antidepressants
One of the older class of antidepressant. They worked by destroying a chemical in the braincalled monoamide oxidators. This enzyme prevented the good chemicals , like serontonine, norepinephrine, and dopamine , of the brain from from being able to do their job
