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TCA stands for tricyclic antidepressants. They are considered the "First Generation Antidepressants" (with SSRIs such as Prozac being "Second Generation"). They are still prescribed and are still quite effective. The main problem with them is that they tend to have more side effects than the newer drugs and the side effects vary greatly from person to person. However, some people find that certain TCAs work a lot better than common second generation anti-depressants. The important thing in developing a strategy for treatment of mild depression is to work it out with a doctor you know and trust and can communicate freely with, so that you both can determine what will work best for you. It should also be noted that TCAs can be more dangerous than SSRIs or other newer antidepressants, and extreme care should be taken with dosage and combinations with other drugs.
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psilo
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