Version 1.0 1. Side effects of anticholinergic drugs Anticholinergic drugs have side effects of their own which has been suggested as a valid reason for not using anticholinergic drugs by several authors.
All anticholinergic drugs can produce dry mouth, blurred vision, hot, dry skin and hyperpyrexia.
In addition, all centrally acting anticholinergic drugs cause changes in behaviour and cognition. The risk of these side effects increases with age, dose, and the presence of pre-existing mental impairment. Changes in awareness and cerebration are also known. Such effects may be precipitated by concomitant administration of other drugs with anticholinergic properties such as antihistamines, phenothiazines, tricyclics or other antiparkinsonian drugs or by intercurrent infection. Anticholinergic drugs by their central action may cause vagal stimulation which may result in decreased heart rate.