The cardiovascular effects of tricyclics include orthostatic hypotension and cardiac conduction abnormalities. The postural changes in blood pressure can often cause dizziness and result in injury from falls. Tricyclics also lower the seizure threshold and should be used with caution in those suffering from seizures. In addition, tricyclics increase appetite and can cause weight gain. Sexual dysfunction is a common and troublesome problem that is often overlooked.
Tricyclics cause impotence, ejaculatory disturbances and anorgasmia.
Most important, however, is the fact that most tricyclics can be fatal in overdose. MAOIs Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are defined by their ability to inhibit monoamine oxidase. Anticholinergic effects and hypotension are dose-dependent adverse effects of the traditional MAOIs and although they are common, with time they may diminish or even disappear. Like the tricyclics, MAOIs can produce many forms of sexual dysfunction and commonly cause sedation and changes in weight. However, unlike the tricyclics, they do not lower the seizure threshold and are less cardiotoxic.