Bipolar Disorder: Tricyclic Antidepressants for Bipolar Disorder

Older tricyclic antidepressants used for treating bipolar disorder may be more likely to trigger a manic episode or rapid cycling than other depression drugs. They are prescribed with mood stabilizers to minimize this chance.

They include:

• Elavil (amitriptyline)
• Norpramin or Pertofrane (desipramine)
• Tofranil (imipramine)
• Pamelor (nortriptyline)

Tricyclic antidepressants work by increasing levels of the mood chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. However, because they increase the risk of mania or rapid cycling -- as well as heart problems if you take heart medication -- these drugs are not always recommended for bipolar disorder.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Psychiatry and Psychology.