title: Tricyclic antidepressants for medically ill geriatric patients.
abstract: The author reviews available data on tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) use in medically ill geriatric patients and data from controlled trials performed with physically healthy but depressed geriatric patients. Although these data point to the conclusion that medical illness appears to limit the use of TCAs in elderly patients, such agents as nortriptyline, desipramine, and doxepin can be used effectively. Guidelines are suggested to assist the clinician when confronted with this often complex and challenging patient population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, School of Medicine, Los Angeles.
authors.forename: G W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Small
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D003891:Desipramine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004316:Doxepin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005853:Geriatrics; D006801:Humans; D009661:Nortriptyline / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D004316:Doxepin; D009661:Nortriptyline; D003891:Desipramine