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Tricyclic Antidepressants — NCLEX Cheat Sheet

2-4 weeks to work · lethal in overdose
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👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team 🕐 Updated 2026-08-31 🏷️ Pharmacological Therapies 🔖 Free to read, print, and share
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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Tricyclic Antidepressants on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!

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📒 The 1-minute cheat sheet

📌 Onset

  • 2-4 weeks for mood to lift
  • Do not stop early

📌 Side Effects

  • Anticholinergic: dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, retention
  • Sedation and orthostatic hypotension
  • Change position slowly

🚩 The Danger Window

  • Energy returns BEFORE mood
  • Suicide risk is highest then
  • Limit the quantity dispensed

🧪 Overdose

  • Wide QRS, arrhythmias, seizures
  • Never with an MAOI
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Quick Tip

Focus on the highlighted numbers and the red-flag items — those are what the NCLEX tests most on tricyclic antidepressants.

📖 Related Topics

Digoxin ToxicityHeparin TherapyWarfarin TherapyAcetaminophen Poisoning in Children
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