Which side effect is commonly associated with TCA use?

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are a class of medications commonly prescribed for depression and certain other mental health conditions. One notable side effect of TCA use is dry mouth, which occurs due to the anticholinergic properties of these drugs. Anticholinergic effects can block the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, leading to reduced saliva production and consequently causing a sensation of dryness in the mouth.

While drowsiness can also be a side effect of TCAs due to their sedating effects, dry mouth is more distinctly recognized and frequently mentioned in clinical literature regarding the side effects of this medication class. In addition, increased libido and elevated mood are not commonly associated with TCA use; rather, these medications can sometimes lead to sexual dysfunction and may take time to elevate mood, thus making them less relevant in this context. Therefore, the identification of dry mouth as a side effect aligns well with the pharmacological mechanism of TCAs and their broader impact on the body.