ANTICHOLINERGIC SYNDROME

a disorder created by the actions of anticholinergic drugs, which have caused unwanted effects on the central and peripheral nervous systems. Symptoms include: dry mouth, constipation, ataxia, flushed skin, confusion, disorientation, slurred speech, and memory problems. Effects tend to be more severe when the central nervous system is impacted. Drugs that cause this syndrome include tricyclic antidepressants, some antipsychotic drugs, and anti-Parkinsonian agents. The risk for this syndrome is higher when individuals take combinations of these drugs. See also anticholinergic syndrome- peripheral anticholinergic syndrome.