Cyclic antidepressants, particularly the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), are an older class of medications with potent effects and a complex side effect profile. While no longer first-line agents for depression, their unique pharmacology makes them valuable for other conditions like neuropathic pain and migraine prophylaxis. For pharmacists, a thorough understanding of their mechanism, toxicity, and place in therapy is essential for safe patient care. This quiz for PharmD students will test your knowledge of these important but high-risk medications.
1. What is the primary mechanism of action for tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) in treating depression?
- They are selective antagonists at the dopamine D2 receptor.
- They inhibit the presynaptic reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE).
- They are selective inhibitors of monoamine oxidase (MAO).
- They enhance the effects of GABA at the GABA-A receptor.
Answer: They inhibit the presynaptic reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE).
2. In addition to reuptake inhibition, TCAs are known for being “dirty drugs” because they also block which other receptors, leading to many side effects?
- Muscarinic, histamine-1, and alpha-1 adrenergic receptors.
- Beta-2 and nicotinic receptors.
- NMDA and AMPA receptors.
- Opioid and cannabinoid receptors.
Answer: Muscarinic, histamine-1, and alpha-1 adrenergic receptors.
3. In terms of medicinal chemistry, tertiary amine TCAs (like amitriptyline) tend to be more potent inhibitors of ________ reuptake compared to secondary amine TCAs.
- Dopamine
- GABA
- Serotonin
- Norepinephrine
Answer: Serotonin
4. Secondary amine TCAs (like nortriptyline) are often better tolerated because they are more selective for ________ reuptake and have fewer anticholinergic and antihistaminic effects.
- Dopamine
- GABA
- Serotonin
- Norepinephrine
Answer: Norepinephrine
5. Which of the following is a tertiary amine TCA?
- Desipramine
- Nortriptyline
- Amitriptyline
- Protriptyline
Answer: Amitriptyline
6. Nortriptyline is the active metabolite of which tertiary amine TCA?
- Doxepin
- Imipramine
- Clomipramine
- Amitriptyline
Answer: Amitriptyline
7. The blockade of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors by TCAs is responsible for which side effect?
- Orthostatic hypotension.
- Sedation.
- Dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision.
- Weight gain.
Answer: Dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision.
8. The potent blockade of histamine-1 (H1) receptors by TCAs like amitriptyline and doxepin leads to which common side effects?
- Nausea and insomnia.
- Sedation and weight gain.
- Tachycardia and tremor.
- Diarrhea and agitation.
Answer: Sedation and weight gain.
9. Blockade of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors by TCAs is the primary cause of which cardiovascular side effect?
- Bradycardia.
- QTc prolongation.
- Orthostatic hypotension.
- Atrial fibrillation.
Answer: Orthostatic hypotension.
10. A key counseling point for a patient starting a TCA is to:
- Take the dose in the morning to prevent insomnia.
- Rise slowly from a sitting or lying position to minimize dizziness.
- Expect the antidepressant effects to begin within 24 hours.
- Stop the medication immediately if they experience a dry mouth.
Answer: Rise slowly from a sitting or lying position to minimize dizziness.
11. The most life-threatening toxicity in an acute TCA overdose is:
- Severe sedation.
- Anticholinergic delirium.
- Cardiotoxicity, including arrhythmias and QRS widening.
- Respiratory depression.
Answer: Cardiotoxicity, including arrhythmias and QRS widening.
12. The cardiotoxicity of TCAs in overdose is primarily due to their action as:
- Beta-blockers.
- Sodium channel blockers.
- Potassium channel blockers.
- Calcium channel blockers.
Answer: Sodium channel blockers.
13. A QRS duration greater than ________ on an ECG is a strong predictor of seizures and arrhythmias in a TCA overdose.
- 80 milliseconds
- 100 milliseconds
- 120 milliseconds
- 140 milliseconds
Answer: 100 milliseconds
14. What is the primary antidote used to treat the cardiac toxicity (QRS widening) seen in a TCA overdose?
- Naloxone
- Flumazenil
- N-acetylcysteine
- Intravenous sodium bicarbonate
Answer: Intravenous sodium bicarbonate
15. Sodium bicarbonate works in a TCA overdose by:
- Directly binding to the TCA molecule.
- Increasing the serum pH, which decreases the amount of active drug bound to sodium channels.
- Increasing the extracellular sodium concentration to overcome the channel blockade.
- Both B and C are correct.
Answer: Both B and C are correct.
16. Why are TCAs no longer considered first-line agents for the treatment of depression?
- They are less effective than SSRIs.
- They have a less favorable side effect profile and are highly lethal in overdose.
- They are prohibitively expensive.
- They have a slower onset of action.
Answer: They have a less favorable side effect profile and are highly lethal in overdose.
17. A common and evidence-based off-label use for low-dose amitriptyline is:
- Weight loss.
- Management of neuropathic pain and migraine prophylaxis.
- Acute treatment of a panic attack.
- Smoking cessation.
Answer: Management of neuropathic pain and migraine prophylaxis.
18. Due to their strong anticholinergic and sedative properties, TCAs are listed on the ________ as potentially inappropriate for use in older adults.
- REMS program list.
- DEA controlled substance schedule.
- Beers Criteria.
- FDA’s list of essential medicines.
Answer: Beers Criteria.
19. A patient taking a TCA should be advised to avoid concurrent use of which of the following due to the risk of additive CNS depression?
- Acetaminophen
- Alcohol and benzodiazepines
- Ibuprofen
- St. John’s Wort
Answer: Alcohol and benzodiazepines
20. Therapeutic drug monitoring may be useful for which TCA, as it has a well-defined therapeutic window?
- Amitriptyline
- Doxepin
- Imipramine
- Nortriptyline
Answer: Nortriptyline
21. Combining a TCA with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) is contraindicated due to the high risk of:
- Severe sedation.
- Hypertensive crisis and serotonin syndrome.
- Agranulocytosis.
- Liver failure.
Answer: Hypertensive crisis and serotonin syndrome.
22. Most TCAs are metabolized by which CYP450 enzyme, making them susceptible to many drug interactions?
- CYP1A2
- CYP3A4
- CYP2C19
- CYP2D6
Answer: CYP2D6
23. A patient who is a known CYP2D6 poor metabolizer is prescribed a standard dose of a TCA. They are at an increased risk for:
- Therapeutic failure.
- Side effects and toxicity.
- A rapid therapeutic response.
- No change in their drug response.
Answer: Side effects and toxicity.
24. Which of the following is a classic sign of anticholinergic toxicity?
- Diarrhea and salivation.
- Pinpoint pupils (miosis).
- “Mad as a hatter, blind as a bat, red as a beet, hot as a hare, dry as a bone.”
- Bradycardia and sedation.
Answer: “Mad as a hatter, blind as a bat, red as a beet, hot as a hare, dry as a bone.”
25. A pharmacist providing MTM for a patient on a TCA should specifically assess for:
- Anticholinergic side effects.
- Orthostatic hypotension.
- Adherence.
- All of the above.
Answer: All of the above.
26. The use of TCAs is contraindicated in patients during the acute recovery period after a(n):
- Appendectomy.
- Myocardial infarction.
- Broken bone.
- Common cold.
Answer: Myocardial infarction.
27. A key principle of TCA therapy is that the dose required for ________ is often much lower than the dose required for ________.
- Neuropathic pain; depression.
- Depression; neuropathic pain.
- Anxiety; insomnia.
- Insomnia; depression.
Answer: Neuropathic pain; depression.
28. A pharmacist’s “geriatric sensitivity” is critical when a TCA is considered for an older adult because:
- Older adults are highly susceptible to the anticholinergic and orthostatic effects, increasing their risk of falls and confusion.
- Older adults require higher doses of TCAs.
- TCAs are the first-line antidepressant for all geriatric patients.
- The side effect profile is more favorable in the elderly.
Answer: Older adults are highly susceptible to the anticholinergic and orthostatic effects, increasing their risk of falls and confusion.
29. The “leadership” skill of advocacy is demonstrated when a pharmacist:
- Convinces an insurance company to cover a newer, safer antidepressant for a patient who cannot tolerate a TCA.
- Insists that all depressed patients try a TCA first.
- Refuses to counsel any patient on a TCA.
- Only dispenses brand-name TCAs.
Answer: Convinces an insurance company to cover a newer, safer antidepressant for a patient who cannot tolerate a TCA.
30. The ultimate reason a pharmacist must have a deep understanding of cyclic antidepressants is:
- They are the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants today.
- To ensure the safe use of a high-risk medication class and prevent patient harm.
- To impress physicians with their knowledge of older drugs.
- Because they are very easy to manage.
Answer: To ensure the safe use of a high-risk medication class and prevent patient harm.
31. Which cyclic antidepressant is a tetracyclic compound often used at low doses for its potent antihistaminic effects to treat insomnia?
- Imipramine
- Mirtazapine
- Desipramine
- Clomipramine
Answer: Mirtazapine
32. The “forging ahead” mindset in pharmacy means that while TCAs are old drugs, a modern pharmacist must:
- Understand their place in therapy and be able to manage them safely using current evidence and technology.
- Forget about them as they are no longer used.
- Advocate for their return as first-line agents.
- Refuse to learn about any drug that is not brand new.
Answer: Understand their place in therapy and be able to manage them safely using current evidence and technology.
33. The “neurologic and psychiatric principles” course explains that TCAs work by modulating:
- Synaptic neurotransmitter levels.
- The brain’s electrical activity directly.
- The structure of the neuron.
- The permeability of the blood-brain barrier.
Answer: Synaptic neurotransmitter levels.
34. The use of a “Clinical Decision Support” alert in an EHR would be critical to fire when a TCA is prescribed with:
- An MAOI.
- Another QTc-prolonging agent.
- A strong CYP2D6 inhibitor.
- All of the above.
Answer: All of the above.
35. A “business plan” for a new pharmacist-led pain management service would need to include protocols for the appropriate use of:
- Adjuvant analgesics like TCAs for neuropathic pain.
- Opioids only.
- Non-pharmacologic therapies only.
- The marketing of the service.
Answer: Adjuvant analgesics like TCAs for neuropathic pain.
36. A pharmacist’s knowledge of “toxicology” and “antidotal therapy” is most critical when managing:
- A patient on a stable maintenance dose of a TCA.
- An acute overdose of a TCA.
- The common side effects of a TCA.
- A drug interaction with a TCA.
Answer: An acute overdose of a TCA.
37. From a “human factors” perspective, the fact that many TCAs have similar names (e.g., imipramine, desipramine, clomipramine) increases the risk of:
- Look-alike/sound-alike medication errors.
- Improved patient safety.
- Better patient adherence.
- A lower cost for the medication.
Answer: Look-alike/sound-alike medication errors.
38. The service of “deprescribing” might be considered for a TCA that was prescribed to an elderly patient for insomnia due to:
- An unfavorable risk/benefit profile in this population.
- The fact that it is the safest hypnotic available.
- The patient’s request for a higher dose.
- Its lack of any sedative effect.
Answer: An unfavorable risk/benefit profile in this population.
39. A “negotiation” with a physician may be required if:
- A pharmacist recommends switching from a TCA to a safer alternative in a high-risk patient, and the physician is hesitant.
- A prescription for a TCA is a routine refill.
- A patient has no questions about their TCA.
- The TCA is on the hospital’s formulary.
Answer: A pharmacist recommends switching from a TCA to a safer alternative in a high-risk patient, and the physician is hesitant.
40. In which “practice setting” would a pharmacist be most likely to encounter and manage an acute TCA overdose?
- A community pharmacy.
- An ambulatory care clinic.
- A hospital emergency department or ICU.
- A mail-order pharmacy.
Answer: A hospital emergency department or ICU.
41. The cardiovascular principle to remember with TCAs is their ability to cause:
- QRS widening and arrhythmias.
- A decrease in blood pressure.
- A slowing of the heart rate.
- Both A and B are significant concerns.
Answer: Both A and B are significant concerns.
42. Which of the following is NOT a primary use for TCAs in modern practice?
- First-line treatment for major depressive disorder.
- Neuropathic pain.
- Migraine prophylaxis.
- Insomnia (off-label, low-dose).
Answer: First-line treatment for major depressive disorder.
43. A key “human resources” consideration for a pharmacy that dispenses many TCAs is:
- Ensuring the staff is well-trained on the risks and counseling points for this high-risk drug class.
- The color of the pharmacy’s walls.
- The brand of computer used.
- The number of parking spaces available.
Answer: Ensuring the staff is well-trained on the risks and counseling points for this high-risk drug class.
44. A patient taking a TCA should be counseled that abrupt discontinuation can lead to:
- A cholinergic rebound syndrome (e.g., nausea, sweating, malaise).
- A hypertensive crisis.
- No significant effects.
- An improvement in mood.
Answer: A cholinergic rebound syndrome (e.g., nausea, sweating, malaise).
45. Which TCA is particularly noted for its use in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) due to its potent serotonin reuptake inhibition?
- Amitriptyline
- Nortriptyline
- Desipramine
- Clomipramine
Answer: Clomipramine
46. A “Dashboard Presentation” in a health system could be used to track:
- The number of patients over 65 who are newly prescribed a TCA, as a quality and safety metric.
- The pharmacy’s daily profit.
- The number of technicians on the schedule.
- The time it takes for a drug to be delivered.
Answer: The number of patients over 65 who are newly prescribed a TCA, as a quality and safety metric.
47. An “analytics and reporting system” could be used to identify:
- All patients taking a TCA concurrently with another QTc-prolonging drug.
- The total cost of TCAs dispensed for the month.
- The number of TCA prescriptions dispensed by each pharmacist.
- All of the above.
Answer: All of the above.
48. From a “policy” perspective, the high lethality of TCAs in overdose has influenced:
- Prescribing guidelines to recommend safer alternatives as first-line agents.
- The DEA’s decision to schedule them as controlled substances.
- Their removal from the market entirely.
- Their over-the-counter availability.
Answer: Prescribing guidelines to recommend safer alternatives as first-line agents.
49. A key skill for a pharmacist in any practice setting is the ability to recognize TCA toxicity, which presents as the “3 Cs”:
- Cough, Cold, and Congestion.
- Cancer, Cardiovascular, and Central Nervous System.
- Coma, Convulsions, and Cardiotoxicity.
- Confusion, Constipation, and Cough.
Answer: Coma, Convulsions, and Cardiotoxicity.
50. The continued, albeit limited, use of cyclic antidepressants in medicine underscores the principle that:
- Newer is always better.
- A pharmacist must maintain knowledge of both new and old drugs to provide comprehensive patient care.
- Once a drug is no longer first-line, it can be forgotten.
- The risk of side effects is not an important consideration.
Answer: A pharmacist must maintain knowledge of both new and old drugs to provide comprehensive patient care.
I am a Registered Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the founder of PharmacyFreak.com. I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. With a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, I am committed to providing accurate, easy-to-understand content to support pharmacy students and professionals. My aim is to make complex pharmaceutical concepts accessible and useful for real-world application.
Mail- Sachin@pharmacyfreak.com