Have a patient complaining of blurred vision? Urinary retention? Dry mouth? Constipation?
Look at their medication list and see if they are on an anticholinergic.
Common anticholinergic drugs include diphenhydramine, antidepressants such as paroxetine/mirtazapine/amitriptyline, trazodone, ranitidine, HCTZ, furosemide, and dicyclomine.
I have seen these effects most commonly in older individuals who take diphenhydramine.
So, as many of us were taught in school, remember this nifty pneumonic to remember anticholinergic side effects:
Can’t see, pee, spit or shit.
2 Responses
I love the mnemonic- hard to forget!! Reminds me of the hyperparathyroidism mnemonic my preceptor taught me in school because we had a patient who we diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism who through imaging we found out had an adenoma on her glands. Stones, Bones, Abdominal Groans, Thrones and Psychiatric Overtones.
Thanks for Clinical Pearl Wednesdays!!
Awesome, I might have to use that for another clinical pearl! Thanks!