Possible Benefits. Helpful for panic attacks and depression. Causes less potential for insomnia. Is sometimes used when patients are having trouble sleeping, because of its sedating effects.. Helpful for panic attacks and depression. Causes less potential for insomnia. Is sometimes used when patients are having trouble sleeping, because of its sedating effects.

Possible Disadvantages. Not much help for anticipatory anxiety. Response requires weeks or months. The sedating side effects can limit productivity and concentration during the day. Avoid during first three months of pregnancy and consult physician before using last six months and before breast-feeding. Increases sensitivity to sun.. Not much help for anticipatory anxiety. Response requires weeks or months. The sedating side effects can limit productivity and concentration during the day. Avoid during first three months of pregnancy and consult physician before using last six months and before breast-feeding. Increases sensitivity to sun.

Possible Side Effects. Strong anticholinergic effects and moderate levels of drowsiness, weight gain and dizziness. . Strong anticholinergic effects and moderate levels of drowsiness, weight gain and dizziness.

Dosages Recommended by Investigators. Begin at 25 to 75 mg daily at bedtime and raised over two weeks to average of 200 and maximum of 300 mg. Taper gradually.. Begin at 25 to 75 mg daily at bedtime and raised over two weeks to average of 200 and maximum of 300 mg. Taper gradually.

Possible Benefits. Helpful for panic attacks and depression. . Helpful for panic attacks and depression.

Possible Disadvantages. Not much help for anticipatory anxiety. Response requires weeks or months. The sedating side effects can limit productivity and concentration during the day. Takes several weeks for therapeutic effects. Consult your physician before using during pregnancy or breast-feeding. . Not much help for anticipatory anxiety. Response requires weeks or months. The sedating side effects can limit productivity and concentration during the day. Takes several weeks for therapeutic effects. Consult your physician before using during pregnancy or breast-feeding.

Possible Side Effects. Anticholinergic effects, increased sensitivity to the sun, postural hypotension, weight gain, sleepiness, sweating.. Anticholinergic effects, increased sensitivity to the sun, postural hypotension, weight gain, sleepiness, sweating.

Dosages Recommended by Investigators. Start at 25 to 75 mg per day and increase over one or two weeks to an average dose of 75 to 150 mg and a maximum dose of 300 mg. Typically taken in one dose at bedtime, but can be divided.. Start at 25 to 75 mg per day and increase over one or two weeks to an average dose of 75 to 150 mg and a maximum dose of 300 mg. Typically taken in one dose at bedtime, but can be divided.

B. Other Cyclic Antidepressants

Possible Benefits. Helpful for obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression.. Helpful for obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression.

Possible Disadvantages. Takes several weeks for primary effects to begin. Nausea and dizziness can be be common side effects. Use during pregnancy or breast-feeding only after approval from your physician. Can be expensive.. Takes several weeks for primary effects to begin. Nausea and dizziness can be be common side effects. Use during pregnancy or breast-feeding only after approval from your physician. Can be expensive.

Possible Side Effects. Anticholinergic effects, chills, dizziness, muscle tension, insomnia, headache, nausea, sleepiness, nervousness.. Anticholinergic effects, chills, dizziness, muscle tension, insomnia, headache, nausea, sleepiness, nervousness.

Dosages Recommended by Investigators. Start with 75 mg per day, divided into two or three doses. Increase by 75 mg. every four or more days. Average maintenance dose is 150 mg per day, with a maximum dose of 300 mg per day. Take with food. Taper slowly.. Start with 75 mg per day, divided into two or three doses. Increase by 75 mg. every four or more days. Average maintenance dose is 150 mg per day, with a maximum dose of 300 mg per day. Take with food. Taper slowly.

next: Serotonin Reuptake Blocking Agents (SSRIs)