Tricyclic antidepressants (side effects)
Tricyclic antidepressants exert their side effects via the following mechanisms:-
They also have the following additional important side effects:-
Note: Black hairy tongue (aka lingua villosa nigra) refers to a condition of the tongue where the filiform papillae elongate with black or brown discoloration, giving a black and hairy appearance. The appearance may be alarming, but it is a harmless condition
- Antimuscarinic effects (dry mouth, urinary retention)
- Antihistaminergic effects (weight gain, drowsiness)
- Antiadrenergic effects (postural hypotension, sexual dysfunction, cognitive impairment)
- Antiserotinergic effects (weight gain)
- Membrane stabilisation (cardiotoxicity and reduced seizure threshold)
They also have the following additional important side effects:-
- Arrhythmias and ECG changes
- Black tongue
- Tremor
- Altered LFT's
- Paralytic ileus
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Note: Black hairy tongue (aka lingua villosa nigra) refers to a condition of the tongue where the filiform papillae elongate with black or brown discoloration, giving a black and hairy appearance. The appearance may be alarming, but it is a harmless condition
