Tca actions

The TCAs elevate mood, improve mental alertness, increase physical activity, and reduce morbid preoccupation in 50 to 70 percent of individuals with major depression. The onset of the mood elevation is slow, requiring 2 weeks or longer. These drugs do not commonly produce CNS stimulation or mood elevation in normal individuals. Physical and psychological dependence has been rarely reported, however, this necessitates slow withdrawal to minimize discontinuation syndromes and cholinergic rebound effects. These drugs, like all of the antidepressants, can be used for prolonged treatment of depression.