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Tag: Anticholinergic effects

Explore our medication guides and pharmacology articles within this category.

Can I take mebeverine with amitriptyline? Understanding the Interaction

3 min read
Globally, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects an estimated 11% of the population, leading many to seek various treatments [1.5.5]. If you've been prescribed multiple medications, you may wonder, **Can I take mebeverine with amitriptyline?** While sometimes prescribed together, combining them can increase the risk of adverse effects [1.2.1].

Is ZzzQuil Safe for Seniors? A Critical Look at Diphenhydramine and Aging

4 min read
According to the American Geriatrics Society's Beers Criteria, first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine are generally considered inappropriate for use in older adults due to increased risks of adverse effects. Therefore, the question, "Is ZzzQuil safe for seniors?" is typically met with a strong caution against its use.

Does Nortriptyline Cause Heartburn? Understanding the Connection

4 min read
According to studies, medications with anticholinergic properties, such as tricyclic antidepressants like nortriptyline, can increase the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and related symptoms like heartburn. This side effect is linked to the drug's effect on the muscles of the digestive system.

Can amitriptyline and promethazine be taken together? Understanding the Risks and Interactions

5 min read
According to reports, combining tricyclic antidepressants and sedative antihistamines, like promethazine, can result in serious drug interactions. Due to their overlapping depressant effects on the central nervous system, patients should exercise extreme caution and always consult a healthcare provider before considering, "Can amitriptyline and promethazine be taken together?".

Do muscle relaxers cause constipation? Unpacking the link and finding relief

3 min read
Approximately 1–3% of patients taking the muscle relaxant cyclobenzaprine have reported constipation as an adverse reaction. This common but often overlooked side effect raises a crucial question for many: Do muscle relaxers cause constipation? The answer is often yes, and understanding the mechanism is key to managing this discomfort.

What are the problems with dosulepin? A High-Risk Antidepressant Explained

3 min read
Dosulepin, an older tricyclic antidepressant, carries significant dangers, including toxicity risks with a narrow therapeutic window. Major concerns also include cardiotoxicity, potentially fatal heart arrhythmias, and adverse anticholinergic effects, particularly for older patients. These issues are among the primary problems with dosulepin and the main reasons for its current restricted use in many countries.

What Does Amitriptyline Do to Your Bowels? Understanding the Gastrointestinal Effects

4 min read
As a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), amitriptyline primarily functions as an anticholinergic agent, which frequently results in constipation as a notable side effect. However, this very property—the slowing of bowel motility—is intentionally leveraged in low doses to treat specific gastrointestinal conditions like diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-D).