How to choose a tricyclic antidepressant

Which tricyclic antidepressant we recommend depends on several factors. Relative potency at inhibiting norepinephrine versus serotonin reuptake The tertiary amine TCAs (imipramine, amitriptyline, doxepin, clomipramine, trimipramine) are more potent at blocking serotonin reuptake than norepinephrine reuptake. On the other hand, the secondary amine TCAs (desipramine, protriptyline, nortriptyline) are more potent at inhibiting norepinephrine reuptake than serotonin reuptake. Is this mnemonic helpful? The secondary…