American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ABPN Practice Questions and Study Guide

When adding triiodothyronine (T3) to a tricyclic antidepressant, clinicians should exercise caution due to the potential for aggravating hypertension. Triiodothyronine can increase metabolism and, consequently, may lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This is particularly concerning for patients with a history of hypertension, as they may be at greater risk for adverse cardiovascular events.

Managing patients who have pre-existing hypertension becomes crucial to avoid exacerbating their condition. Providers often need to closely monitor blood pressure and may adjust hypertensive medications accordingly when introducing thyroid supplementation. This careful oversight helps in achieving a safe and effective therapeutic outcome while minimizing the risk of complications associated with elevated blood pressure.

In contrast, while other factors, such as age, cognitive deficits, and subclinical hypothyroidism, may have significance in assessing overall treatment strategies, they do not directly relate to the immediate cardiovascular risks associated with the addition of triiodothyronine in the context of tricyclic antidepressants.