Tricyclic antidepressants constipation with

Amantadine is used cautiously in patients with seizure disorders, psychiatric problems, renal impairment, and cardiac disease. Amantadine is a Pregnancy Category B drug and is used cautiously during pregnancy and lactation. Concurrent use of antihistamines, phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants, disopyramide, and quinidine may increase the anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation) of amantadine... 

Nortriptyline. Nortriptyhne, a tricychc antidepressant, has been shown in double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trials to be superior to placebo for smoking cessation (Prochazka et al. 1998). Nortriptyline appears to have efficacy comparable to that of bupropion for smoking cessation (Hall et al. 2002). The efficacy of this agent may be improved with more intensive behavioral therapies (Hall et al. 1998). Nortriptyline s mechanism of action is thought to relate to its noradrenergic and serotonergic reuptake blockade, because these two neurotransmitters have been implicated in the neurobiology of nicotine dependence. Side effects of nortiptyline are typical of tricyclic antidepressants and include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and orthostatic hypotension. Nortriptyline appears to have some utility for smokers with a past history of major depression, and it can be recommended as a second-... 

Dizziness, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and lethargy are all relatively common adverse events. These effects are more pronounced for several days after initiation and following upward dose titration. Seizures have been reported rarely the risk is dose-related and appears to increase with concomitant use of antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Tramadol should be avoided in patients receiving monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors because tramadol inhibits the uptake of norepinephrine and serotonin. 

Interaction with drug metabolism liquorices, which are the most commonly used herbs in TCM can increase metabolites (e.g., nortriptyline, desipramine, and norclomipramine) of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and may produce more side effects (such as dry mouth, constipation, palpitation, etc.) (Xu, 2004 Zhu Huang, 2004). 

The answer is a. (Hardman, p 436J The most common side effects associated with tricyclic antidepressants are their anti muscarinic effects, which may be evident in over 50% of patients. Clinically, the anti muscarinic effects may manifest as dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, tachycardia, dizziness, and urinary retention. At therapeutic plasma concentrations, these drugs usually do not cause changes in the EKG Direct cardiac effects of the tricyclic antidepressants are important in over dosage. 

Ziprasidone is well tolerated. Its common side effects are drowsiness, nausea, and constipation. Though there were initial concerns about untoward cardiological side effects similar to those produced by thioridazine and the tricyclic antidepressants, ziprasidone appears to be safe though it should probably not be used in patients with preexisting heart disease. 

When treating insomnia without depression, doxepin and amitriptyline (both tricyclic antidepressants) can be administered in low doses (25-100 mg) at bedtime. These antidepressants, however, do have troublesome anticholinergic side effects (dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, dizziness) and adverse effects on the heart, and they can be lethal if taken in overdose. Because of their effect on heart function, these antidepressants should be avoided in patients with heart problems and administered cautiously, if at all, to those who are already receiving one of any number of newer antidepressants that inhibit the metabolism of the TCAs. 

Trimipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant with sedative properties that is used in the management of depression. As with other tricyclic antidepressants, trimipramine has antimuscarinic activity and therefore side-effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation and urinary retention. 

Because of the multiple receptor sites that TCAs bind to, there are a variety of possible side effects that can be seen in treatment. The blockade of muscarinic receptors leads to increased anticholinergic tone and subsequent anti-cholinergic side effects, especially in the gastrointestinal system. These include delirium, dry mouth, tachycardia, constipation, and urinary retention in adults. In children, anticholinergic side effects are often not seen with treatment (Geller et ah, 1992). Tricyclic antidepressant blockade of the presynaptic a 2 receptors leads to increased autonomic tone throughout the body, causing elevations in heart rate and blood pressure. 

Tricyclic antidepressants are still prescribed today, but some patients experience side effects such as dry mouth, blurry vision, constipation, and other uncomfortable conditions. Other antidepressants have since been found that induce fewer side effects. One of the most popular is fluoxetine, which is marketed under the trade name Prozac. This drug, along with Zoloft and other antidepressants, are known to inhibit reuptake proteins specifically for serotonin. As a result, these drugs are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. Although some concerns have appeared because of a possible risk of suicide in young patients who take Prozac, these drugs are commonly prescribed and have proved highly effective in millions of patients. 

FIGURE 6—31. Side effects of the tricyclic antidepressants—part 2. In this diagram, the icon of the TCA is shown with its anticholinergic/antimuscarinic (Ml) portion inserted into acetylcholine receptors, causing the side effects of constipation, blurred vision, dry mouth, and drowsiness. 

From the existing literature, St. John s wort appears to be a safe and effective alternative in the treatment of depression. Tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors can produce serious cardiac side effects, such as tachycardia and postural hypotension, and many unwanted anticholinergic side effects, including dry mouth and constipation. St. John s wort has proved to be free of any cardiac, as well as anticholinergic, side effects normally seen with antidepressant medications. Based upon limited studies, St. John s wort appears to be an acceptable alternative to traditional antidepressant therapy. 

Adverse effects include constipation, dry mouth and insonmia which occur in > 10% of users. Less commonly, nausea, tachycardia, palpitations, raised blood pressure, anxiety, sweating and altered taste may occur. Blood pressure should be monitored closely throughout its use (twice weekly in the first 3 months). Contraindications include severe h3q>er-tension, peripheral occlusive arterial or coronary heart disease, cardiac arrhythmia, prostatic hypertrophy and those with severe hepatic or renal impairment. It should not be used to treat obesity of endocrine origin or those with a history of major eating disorder or psychiatric disease. Concomitant use with tricyclic antidepressants should be avoided (CNS toxicity). 

Tricyclic antidepressants. (TCA) The anticholinergc side effects (dryness of mouth, constipation, increased sweating) associated with TCA (imipramine, desipramine) cause them to be poorly tolerated. They can only be recommended if other treatments have failed to reduce bingeing and/or purging. 

The main side effects of tricyclic antidepressants are sedation, anti-cholinergic effects (dry mouth, constipation and urinary retention) and postural hypotension. Some patients may experience mania, seizures or impotence. Tricyclic antidepressants should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. 

ADVERSE EEEECTS Tricyclic antidepressants routinely produce adverse autonomic responses, in part related to their relatively potent antimuscarinic effects, including dry mouth and a sour or metallic taste, epigastric distress, constipation, dizziness, tachycardia, palpitations, blurred vision (poor accommodation and increased risk of glaucoma), and urinary retention. Cardiovascular effects include orthostatic hypotension, sinus tachycardia, and variable prolongation of cardiac conduction times with the potential for arrhythmias, particularly with overdoses. 

Among geriatric patients, dizziness, postural hypotension, constipation, delayed micturition, edema, and tremor are found commonly with tricyclic antidepressants. These patients are much more likely to tolerate SSRIs and other modem antidepressants. Risks in geriatric patients are higher due to decreased metabolic clearance of antidepressants and less abihty to tolerate them. 

---