Screening for tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) is an essential tool for evaluating the use and effectiveness of these medications in treating depression. This test measures ATC levels in blood or urine, ensuring appropriate dosing while minimizing the risks of side effects and overdosing.
This test checks whether tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) can be found in your blood or urine. It can also measure the amount of ATC in your blood or urine. TCAs are a type of antidepressant. Antidepressants are prescription medications that treat depression, a serious mood disorder. Depression can affect how you think, feel, and behave.
There are several types of antidepressants. Each of them works in a slightly different way. TCAs were one of the first types of antidepressants developed. They may be effective, but they tend to cause more side effects than newer types of antidepressants. Most new antidepressants fall into one of these three groups:
Health professionals often use newer antidepressants rather than TCAs because they are safer and have fewer side effects. But TCAs may be a good option for treating depression when other antidepressants don't work.
Health professionals sometimes use TCAs to treat other health conditions, such as anxiety, chronic pain, migraines, and insomnia.
Some commonly prescribed TCAs include:
TCAs should be dosed carefully. Finding a dose that works without being dangerous can be difficult. In fact, TCAs are the cause of numerous prescription drug overdose deaths in the United States.
Other names: ATC test, ATC test, tricyclic screening
A TCA test is used to:
You may need this test if you have been prescribed a TCA to ensure that you are getting a dose that is safe and effective. You may also need this test if you have symptoms of an TCA overdose. These include:
If you think you have taken too much TCA, or if you have symptoms of an TCA overdose, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency center.
A TCA screening can be done through a blood test or a urine test.
During a TCA blood test, a health professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected in a test tube or vial. You may feel a slight prick when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.
For a TCA urine test, you will need to provide a urine sample in a sterile cup. Your supplier will give you more information on how to collect your sample.
You do not need special preparations for a TCA screening.
There is very little risk in taking a blood test. You may feel a slight pain or bruise where the needle was inserted, but most symptoms go away quickly.
There is no risk in doing a urine test.
Your blood test results will show the levels of TCA in your bloodstream. Depending on the TCA you are taking and the levels, your provider may adjust your dosage.
There are two types of urine test results. A type will show if TCA was found but not in what quantity. The other type shows TCA levels.
If blood or urine test results show that you have dangerously high TCA levels, you will be treated immediately.
If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider.
Learn more about lab tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are most commonly prescribed by a mental health professional, a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions, such as depression. There are many different types of mental health professionals out there. Some types, usually doctors, are authorized to prescribe medications, including TCAs. Other mental health professionals work with providers who can write prescriptions. The most common types of mental health professionals include:
If you are suffering from depression, it is important to get treatment. Talk to your primary doctor if you need help finding a mental health provider who can treat your depression.