What serious side effect may develop from the use of tricyclic antidepressants?

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are known to have a range of side effects, but one of the most serious concerns is the potential for cardiac arrhythmias. These medications have the ability to block various neurotransmitter receptors, which can lead to significant cardiovascular effects. In particular, TCAs can impact the cardiac conduction system, resulting in effects such as prolonged QT intervals and other arrhythmias, which can be potentially life-threatening.

The mechanism behind this side effect involves the drug’s influence on sodium and calcium channels in cardiac tissue. Overdose situations can exacerbate this risk, leading to more drastic cardiac events. Therefore, when prescribing TCAs, especially to patients with pre-existing heart conditions, careful monitoring is necessary to mitigate the risk of arrhythmias.

In contrast, while the other side effects listed may occur in different contexts, they are not primarily associated with tricyclic antidepressants. Rhabdomyolysis, for example, is often linked to other classes of medications or severe physical exertion, gastrointestinal bleeding is more common with certain anti-inflammatory drugs or anticoagulants, and pulmonary embolism is associated with a different set of risk factors unrelated to TCAs. Understanding the specific risks associated with TCAs is crucial in clinical practice