Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant associated with which effect?

• A. Urinary retention
• B. Diarrhea
• C. Weight gain
• D. Bradycardia

Answer: (A)

Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant with strong anticholinergic (muscarinic) effects. Blocking muscarinic receptors in the bladder reduces detrusor muscle contraction, leading to urinary retention. This anticholinergic action is a classic side effect profile of TCAs. Among the options, urinary retention best fits this drug’s typical effect. Diarrhea would reflect increased gut motility, which anticholinergic effects do not cause; weight gain can occur with some antidepressants but is less characteristic; bradycardia is not typical and TCAs more often cause tachycardia due to anticholinergic effects and other cardiac influences.