Which statements accurately describe nortriptyline? Select all that apply.

Study for the HESI Basic Care and Comfort Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that can lead to several side effects, including constipation and urinary retention. These effects are common due to the medication's anticholinergic properties, which can affect smooth muscle activity in the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts. This mechanism can result in reduced bowel motility, leading to constipation, and a decrease in the ability to void, which can cause urinary retention.

The other choices reflect misconceptions about nortriptyline. While weight gain can occur with some patients taking tricyclic antidepressants, it is not universally classified as a "common" side effect. Nortriptyline is not primarily used for high blood pressure; rather, it is mainly prescribed for depression and sometimes for nerve pain. Lastly, stating that nortriptyline has no known side effects is inaccurate, as it is known to have several adverse effects as part of its pharmacological profile.

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