Anticholinergic side effects of tricyclic antidepressants and their management.

Side effects associated with tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) therapy often leads to premature drug discontinuation. The most common side effects associated with TCA's are those related to the anticholinergic activity of these medicines. The peripheral anticholinergic complaints of dry mouth, constipation, ocular side effects and urinary hesitancy are described and specific clinical guidelines for their effective management are provided.