What is a potential side effect of tricyclic antidepressants?

What is a potential side effect of tricyclic antidepressants?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Orthostatic hypotension
• D. Sedation

Answer: (C)

Orthostatic hypotension occurs with tricyclic antidepressants because they block alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, leading to reduced vascular tone. When a person stands, the usual reflex vasoconstriction is blunted, so blood pools in the legs and the blood pressure drops on standing. This can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting and is a clinically important side effect to watch for, especially in older patients or those who are dehydrated. Sedation can also occur due to other receptor effects, and tachycardia can happen, but the standing BP drop is the most characteristic and potentially dangerous. Hypertension is not a typical side effect of these medications.

Orthostatic hypotension occurs with tricyclic antidepressants because they block alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, leading to reduced vascular tone. When a person stands, the usual reflex vasoconstriction is blunted, so blood pools in the legs and the blood pressure drops on standing. This can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting and is a clinically important side effect to watch for, especially in older patients or those who are dehydrated. Sedation can also occur due to other receptor effects, and tachycardia can happen, but the standing BP drop is the most characteristic and potentially dangerous. Hypertension is not a typical side effect of these medications.