What is a common side effect of tricyclic antidepressants that is lower in selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors?

The common side effect of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) that is lower in selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is indeed cardiac toxicity. Tricyclic antidepressants can have significant effects on the cardiovascular system, such as arrhythmias and other cardiac complications, especially when taken in overdose situations. This is due to their ability to block various neurotransmitter receptors, including those that influence heart function, and their impact on the conduction of electrical impulses in the heart.

In contrast, SSRIs tend to have a more favorable side effect profile regarding cardiac health, making them generally safer in terms of cardiovascular risk. They primarily work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, without the extensive receptor interactions seen with tricyclics that may affect heart health.

While weight gain, sedation, and dry mouth can also occur with both classes of antidepressants, they are more prevalent with TCAs compared to SSRIs. Sedation, for instance, can be a side effect of some TCAs due to their antihistaminic properties, yet it is less common with SSRIs. Similarly, dry mouth is a known side effect of TCAs due to their anticholinergic properties but is also possible with SSRIs,