Tricyclic Antidepressants Screen (TCA), serum

Amitriptyline, imipramine and related compounds comprise the tricyclic antidepressants. They are widely used for the treatment of depression, chronic pain and enuresis. Therapeutic serum concentrations and toxic levels are different for each tricyclic drug. Screening assays such as this are used to establish the presence or absence of the drug class based on a pre-determined threshold value. Alternative methods must be employed to determine the identity and concentration of any tricyclic from a positive screening result. Toxicity symptoms include: tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, dry mouth, dilated pupils, hyperthermia, seizures, ataxia and delerium.