Which class of antidepressants is commonly associated with anticholinergic side effects?

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are known for their anticholinergic side effects due to their ability to block acetylcholine receptors. This leads to a range of potential side effects, including dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision, and sedation. The anticholinergic effects stem from the chemical structure of TCAs, which allows them to interact with various neurotransmitter systems beyond serotonin and norepinephrine, specifically the cholinergic system.

In contrast, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) primarily target serotonin reuptake and tend to have fewer anticholinergic effects. Atypical antidepressants vary in their mechanisms and side effect profiles but are generally not associated with significant anticholinergic activity. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) primarily block the enzyme monoamine oxidase, affecting neurotransmitter levels without the same anticholinergic implications linked to TCAs. Therefore, when considering the class of antidepressants known for anticholinergic side effects, tricyclic antidepressants are distinctly recognized for this characteristic.