FA 2012: TCAs alpha blocking or stimulating?

[lemonade90]

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TCAs shown on 264 to prevent reuptake of NE at the a and b receptor. In the psych section of drugs (499), they are listed to be alpha antagonists in the side effects.

What do they do in terms of blocking/stimulating a/B receptors? Is this like a succinylcholine type deal where the initial effect it different from the secondary effect?

 

[AndyRSC]

They block both the norepinephrine transporter and the alpha-1 channels. Thus, they're essentially SSNRIs, blocking norepi reuptake and increasing its concentration, yet have alpha-1 antagonist activity, with its attendant side effects.