This USMLE Step 1 Question of the Day involves a 36-year-old patient for evaluation of treatment-resistant depression. None of their previous medications helped improved their symptoms. Based on the findings, identify the most likely diagnosis.
A 36-year-old presents to their outpatient provider for evaluation of treatment-resistant depression. They have previously been prescribed several antidepressants; however, none of the medications helped improve their symptoms. Temperature is 37.0°C (98.6°F), blood pressure is 120/78 mmHg, and pulse is 67/min. Physical examination reveals a tired-appearing patient. Cardiac, pulmonary, and abdominal exams are noncontributory. The patient is started on a new medication that works by blocking synaptic reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Which of the side effects is this patient at risk of developing?
A. Priapism
B. Urinary incontinence
C. Orthostatic hypotension
D. Hypertensive crisisE. Diarrhea
Scroll down for the correct answer!
The correct answer to today’s USMLE® Step 1 Question is…
C. Orthostatic hypotension
Before we get to the Main Explanation, let’s look at the incorrect answer explanations. Skip to the bottom if you want to see the correct answer right away!
Incorrect answer explanations
A. Priapism
Incorrect: Trazodone and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors can cause priapism as a side effect. However, this patient was started on a tricyclic antidepressant, which is not associated with priapism.
B. Urinary incontinence
Incorrect: Tricyclic antidepressants, the class of medications this patient was most likely started on, have anticholinergic properties and would cause urinary retention, not incontinence.
D. Hypertensive crisis
Incorrect: Hypertensive crisis describes severe elevations in blood pressure (≥ 180/110), which predispose patients to end-organ damage. Patients on monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can develop this condition after consuming tyramine-containing food (e.g. wines, aged cheese). In contrast, this patient was prescribed a tricyclic antidepressant, which would not typically cause a hypertensive crisis.
E. Diarrhea
Incorrect: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can cause diarrhea as a side effect. Tricyclic antidepressants are muscarinic antagonists and would instead cause atropine-like side effects, such as constipation.
Main Explanation
This patient has depression and has failed treatment with prior medications. As a result, they were started on a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), which works by inhibiting synaptic norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake.
TCAs have many side effects. TCAs block several receptors, including:
- histamine H1-receptors, causing sedation
- α1-receptors, causing orthostatic hypotension
- muscarinic receptors, causing atropine-like side effects. Atropine-like side effects occur more commonly with tertiary TCAs and include dry mouth, urinary retention, and hallucinations
TCAs can also cause serotonin syndrome, a life-threatening condition caused by serotonin accumulation and overstimulation of the nervous system. Serotonin syndrome is characterized by skin flushing, hyperthermia, agitation, muscle rigidity, seizure, and coma. It usually occurs in individuals treated with a combination of TCAs and other antidepressants that increase serotonin level.
TCAs are also cardiotoxic and can cause a widened QRS complex and prolonged QT interval.
Lastly, TCAs are cytochrome P450 enzyme inhibitors. These liver enzymes are responsible for the metabolism of a variety of drugs and toxins in the body. As a result, cytochrome P450 inhibition can reduce the elimination rate of other drugs.

Major Takeaway
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have a broad side effect profile. They can cause sedation, orthostatic hypotension, and atropine-like side effects. In addition, TCAs are cardiotoxic and can trigger serotonin syndrome if used in combination with certain antidepressants.
References
- Moraczewski, J., Aedma, K.K. (2020) “Tricyclic antidepressants”. StatPearls [Internet]. Web Address: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557791/.
- Peretti S., Judge, R., Hindmarch, I. (2000) Safety and tolerability considerations: tricyclic antidepressants vs. selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. 403, 17-25. Doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2000.tb10944.x.
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