National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

Which category includes drugs like tricyclic antidepressants?

1. Stimulants

2. Antipsychotics

3. Anticholinergics

4. Opioids

The correct answer is: Anticholinergics

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are primarily classified under the category of antidepressants, but they share characteristics with anticholinergics due to their mechanism of action. These medications often exert anticholinergic effects by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in various body functions. As a result, TCAs can produce side effects that are typical of anticholinergic drugs, such as dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision. While some of the other categories might seem relevant at first glance, they do not accurately describe the primary effects and classifications of tricyclic antidepressants. For example, stimulants are typically associated with the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, and opioids are primarily used for pain relief. Antipsychotics mainly target symptoms of psychosis and do not encompass the broad range of effects associated with tricyclic antidepressants. Therefore, categorizing tricyclic antidepressants under anticholinergics aligns with their ability to affect acetylcholine receptors and highlights their potential side effects, making it the most fitting choice.