What characteristic differentiates TCA's from other antidepressants?

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are distinguished from other categories of antidepressants primarily due to their significant anticholinergic side effects. Anticholinergic effects are a result of TCAs blocking the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the central and peripheral nervous systems. This can lead to a variety of side effects, such as dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision, and confusion, especially in older adults. The prominence of these side effects is more pronounced in TCAs compared to many other antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which generally have a more favorable side effect profile.

The risk of addiction is not a characteristic associated with TCAs; they are not habit-forming like certain other classes of medications, such as benzodiazepines. Additionally, the effectiveness of TCAs can be comparable to other antidepressants, depending on the individual case and specific symptoms. Lastly, TCAs are known to be potentially lethal in overdose situations, which further distinguishes them from many newer antidepressants that are deemed safer regarding overdose risk. Therefore, the severe anticholinergic effects clearly differentiate TCAs from other classes of