American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam

Question: 1 / 1275

Which tricyclic antidepressant is known to be among the least sedating?

Amitriptyline

Desipramine

Desipramine is recognized for having a relatively low sedative effect compared to other tricyclic antidepressants, which is primarily due to its pharmacological profile. Unlike amitriptyline, which is highly sedating because of its strong antihistaminic activity, or doxepin, which is also known for its sedative properties, desipramine acts more on norepinephrine reuptake inhibition while maintaining minimal antagonism of histamine and other receptors associated with sedation.

Trimipramine, although less studied, tends to have more sedative effects than desipramine due to its influence on multiple neurotransmitter systems. Therefore, due to its specific action primarily on norepinephrine, desipramine is classified as one of the least sedating tricyclic antidepressants, making it a suitable option for patients who may be sensitive to the sedative side effects commonly associated with this class of medications.

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Trimipramine

Doxepin

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