what is tca on a drug test

A TCA (Tricyclic Antidepressant) screen is a test that checks for the amount or presence of tricyclic antidepressants in blood or urine. Tricyclic antidepressants are a type of medication prescribed for depression, anxiety, headaches, and nerve-related pain. The test is used to ensure that patients are receiving a safe and effective dose of TCA and to detect symptoms of TCA overdose, which include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, trouble urinating, drowsiness, lightheadedness, and seizures. A TCA screen can be done as a blood test or a urine test. The test provides qualitative results, meaning it will only indicate whether or not TCA is present in the sample, but not the amount. False-positive results can occur due to the interference of other substances, such as carbamazepine.