ALLTEST Tricyclic Antidepressants Urine Drug Test Strips

ALLTEST Tricyclic antidepressant urine drug testing strips

Key points about the TCA drug test strips:

• Tricyclic Antidepressant drug test kits 300ng sensitivity. 
• Detects Tricyclics for between 2-10 days after last use. 
• Read result of the TCA drug test in 3-5 minutes
• Full CE & international quality certified drug test for TCA.
• Each Tricyclic Antidepressant drug test kit is an individually foil wrapped urine drug test strip. 
• 99% accuracy TCA urine drug test

What are tricyclic antidepressants?

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are an older class of antidepressant medications that were first developed in the 1950s. They are primarily used to treat depression but are also prescribed for a variety of other conditions, including anxiety disorders, chronic pain, migraines, and insomnia.

Tricyclic antidepressants and drug testing

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) can be detected in some workplace urine drug tests, although they are not typically included in standard workplace or roadside drug screenings. However, in medical settings or specialised toxicology screenings, TCAs may be tested for, particularly in cases of overdose, unexplained symptoms, or compliance monitoring. Multi-panel urine drug test kits with TCA.

What to do if you are prescribed TCAs and are drug tested?

• If you are undergoing drug testing for employment, legal, or medical reasons, inform the testing authority that you are prescribed a TCA.
• If a false positive occurs, request a confirmatory test to clarify the results.
• Keep prescription documentation handy to verify prescribed use if needed.

How do tricyclic antidepressants work?

TCAs work by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, in the brain. They achieve this by blocking the reabsorption (reuptake) of these chemicals by nerve cells, thereby enhancing their mood-stabilising effects. Additionally, TCAs affect other neurotransmitter systems, which can contribute to their side effects.

Withdrawal symptoms from Tricyclic Antidepressants may include:

• Irritability
• Aggression
• Dizziness
• Anxiety
• Blurred vision
• Loss of consciousness
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Lack of concentration
• Insomnia
• Impaired speech
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite

Common Tricyclic Antidepressants in the UK

The most commonly prescribed TCA in the UK is Amitriptyline, which is often used at lower doses for pain management rather than for depression. Other TCAs include:

• Imipramine – used for depression and sometimes bedwetting in children
• Nortriptyline – prescribed for depression and nerve pain
• Clomipramine – often used for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Doxepin – sometimes used for insomnia and anxiety

Uses of Tricyclic Antidepressants

Although originally developed for depression, TCAs are now more frequently prescribed for:

• Neuropathic pain – such as sciatica, fibromyalgia, and diabetic nerve pain
• Migraine prevention
• Anxiety and panic disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Sleep disorders – due to their sedating effects

Side effects of tricyclic antidepressants

TCAs tend to have more side effects than newer antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which is why they are often used as a second-line treatment. Common side effects include:

• Drowsiness and fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Weight gain
• Constipation
• Blurred vision
• Increased heart rate

More serious side effects, such as heart rhythm disturbances, can occur, particularly in overdose, making TCAs potentially dangerous if taken in excessive amounts.

Are tricyclic antidepressants still commonly used?

While TCAs have largely been replaced by newer antidepressants like SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) due to their improved safety profiles, they are still prescribed for specific conditions where they remain highly effective, particularly in chronic pain management.