Tripgard Adverse Reactions

Many adverse effects of amitriptyline and similar tricyclic antidepressants are caused by their antimuscarinic actions. Antimuscarinic effects are relatively common and occur before an antidepressant effect is obtained. They include dry mouth, constipation occasionally leading to paralytic ileus, urinary retention, blurred vision and disturbances in accommodation, increased intra-ocular pressure, and hyperthermia. Tolerance is often achieved if treatment is continued and adverse effects may be less troublesome if treatment is begun with small doses and then increased gradually, although this may delay the clinical response.
Drowsiness may also be common, although a few tricyclic antidepressants possess little or no sedative potential and may produce nervousness and insomnia. Other neurological adverse effects include headache, peripheral neuropathy, tremor, ataxia, epileptiform seizures, tinnitus, and occasional extrapyramidal symptoms including speech difficulties (dysarthria). Confusion, hallucinations, or delirium may occur, particularly in the elderly, and mania or hypomania, and behavioural disturbances (particularly in children) have been reported.