What is a common side effect of the anticholinergic effects of Tricyclic Antidepressants?

The common side effect associated with the anticholinergic effects of tricyclic antidepressants is dry mouth. Tricyclic antidepressants exert their effects not only on neurotransmitter systems but also have significant anticholinergic properties. This is due to their blockade of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. The inhibition of these receptors leads to decreased secretions, particularly in the salivary glands, resulting in dry mouth, which is a prevalent and often bothersome side effect for patients.

In addition to dry mouth, anticholinergic effects can also lead to other symptoms such as constipation, blurred vision, and urinary retention. These effects arise from reduced cholinergic activity through the body, which is not shared by all other options mentioned. For example, increased appetite, reduced heart rate, and nausea do not stem directly from anticholinergic mechanisms and can be influenced by various other factors or medications. Thus, dry mouth is the hallmark side effect tied directly to the anticholinergic activity of tricyclic antidepressants.