A member asked:

How does tricyclic antidepressant cause dry eyes? does it cause melbomian gland or lacrimal gland to malfunction?

A doctor has provided 1 answer
Dr. Mark Fisher answered

Specializes in Neurology

No: The lacrimal & salivary glands are innervated & stimulated to secrete by cholinergic neurons, ie they use the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh). In medicalese we say that TCAs reversibly combine with & competitively inhibit the postsynaptic muscarinic ACh receptor. Simply put, they block the effect of ACh on the glands. Dry eyes & mouth are called "anticholinergic side effects."

Answered 10/4/2016

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