Ask the doctor: Which antidepressants have anticholinergic effects?
A wide range of drugs—including tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline (Elavil) or doxepin (Sinequan)—have strong anticholinergic effects, which means they can have side effects like memory problems and confusion. These effects are more pronounced in older people, so drugs in this class are used less often today to treat depression in the elderly. In fact, when they are prescribed, it is usual in low doses to ease nerve pain (neuropathy).
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