Clarissa has been prescribed a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) to treat major depressive disorder. Which of the following statements regarding TCAs is most accurate?
A) TCAs are preferred for clients who are at risk for suicide.
B) TCAs have a narrow therapeutic window and can have cardiotoxic effects.
C) TCAs are the preferred medications for clients who have recently had a heart attack.
D) TCAs have fewer side effects than selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Ans: B
Feedback:
Other antidepressants have fewer side effects and do not have the cardiotoxic effects or narrow therapeutic window of TCAs. As a rule, TCAs are not used in clients at risk for suicide. Their narrow therapeutic window makes use dangerous. TCAs also are used cautiously in clients who are hypersensitive to any tricyclic drugs, may be taking MAOIs, have had a recent heart attack, or are lactating.
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