Side effects of tricyclic antidepressants

Side effects of tricyclic antidepressants may include:

• Blurred vision
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness on standing up due to a drop in blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension)
• Weight gain
• Difficulty thinking clearly
• Constipation
• Difficulty urinating
• Heart rhythm problems
• Problems having sexual intercourse

To reduce or prevent side effects, your doctor will likely start you at a low dose and slowly increase the amount. Most people are able to take tricyclic antidepressants, particularly in low doses, with only mild side effects. The doses that are effective for pain are generally lower than the doses used for depression.