Definition:
Anticholinergic means blocking the effects of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Since acetylcholine is involved with learning and memory, glands and involuntary muscles, an anticholinergic drug can cause:
Drugs that have anticholinergic effects include but are not limited to:
Anticholinergic means blocking the effects of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Since acetylcholine is involved with learning and memory, glands and involuntary muscles, an anticholinergic drug can cause:
- Dry mouth
- Decrease in perspiration
- Increased heart rate
- Constipation
- Increase in blood pressure
- Blurred vision
- Memory problems
- Loss of coordination (ataxia)
- Sensitivity to heat
Drugs that have anticholinergic effects include but are not limited to:
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
- SSRI antidepressants Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, other generic antihistamines)
Pronunciation:
ANN-tee-KOH-lih-NUR-jick, ANN-tye-KOH-lih-NUR-jick
ANN-tee-KOH-lih-NUR-jick, ANN-tye-KOH-lih-NUR-jick
Common Misspellings: anticholinergetic
