Tertiary tricyclic antidepressants are avoided because they increase the risk of which adverse effect?

Tertiary tricyclic antidepressants are avoided because they increase the risk of which adverse effect?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Rash
• C. Hyperkalemia
• D. Orthostatic hypotension

Answer: (D)

Tertiary tricyclic antidepressants have strong alpha-1 adrenergic blocking effects, which leads to vasodilation of the blood vessels. When a person stands, this can cause a drop in blood pressure as blood pools in the legs, producing orthostatic hypotension. This makes them particularly risky for dizziness, fainting, and falls, especially in older adults or those with already low blood pressure. While tachycardia and other effects can occur, orthostatic hypotension is the most characteristic adverse effect driving avoidance of these drugs.

Tertiary tricyclic antidepressants have strong alpha-1 adrenergic blocking effects, which leads to vasodilation of the blood vessels. When a person stands, this can cause a drop in blood pressure as blood pools in the legs, producing orthostatic hypotension. This makes them particularly risky for dizziness, fainting, and falls, especially in older adults or those with already low blood pressure. While tachycardia and other effects can occur, orthostatic hypotension is the most characteristic adverse effect driving avoidance of these drugs.