Which medication class is associated with orthostatic hypotension according to the material?

Which medication class is associated with orthostatic hypotension according to the material?

• A. Tricyclic antidepressants
• B. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
• C. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
• D. Benzodiazepines

Answer: (A)

Orthostatic hypotension stems from the body's inability to maintain blood pressure when moving to an upright position. Some antidepressants have a strong blockade of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in vascular smooth muscle, which blunts the normal vasoconstrictive response we rely on to push blood back toward the heart when we stand. Tricyclic antidepressants are known for this alpha-1 blocking effect, so they frequently cause a drop in blood pressure on standing and related dizziness or lightheadedness. This effect is more likely at higher doses and in older patients, who may have reduced autonomic reserve. Other antidepressants, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, don't block alpha-1 receptors as much and thus have less impact on standing BP. Benzodiazepines mainly cause dizziness through sedation rather than a direct failure of vascular constriction, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors can affect blood pressure too but aren’t as strongly associated with orthostatic hypotension as TCAs. If orthostatic symptoms occur, review the med choice, consider dose adjustments or switching to a drug with less autonomic effect, and take precautions like standing up slowly and ensuring adequate hydration.

Orthostatic hypotension stems from the body's inability to maintain blood pressure when moving to an upright position. Some antidepressants have a strong blockade of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in vascular smooth muscle, which blunts the normal vasoconstrictive response we rely on to push blood back toward the heart when we stand. Tricyclic antidepressants are known for this alpha-1 blocking effect, so they frequently cause a drop in blood pressure on standing and related dizziness or lightheadedness. This effect is more likely at higher doses and in older patients, who may have reduced autonomic reserve. Other antidepressants, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, don't block alpha-1 receptors as much and thus have less impact on standing BP. Benzodiazepines mainly cause dizziness through sedation rather than a direct failure of vascular constriction, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors can affect blood pressure too but aren’t as strongly associated with orthostatic hypotension as TCAs. If orthostatic symptoms occur, review the med choice, consider dose adjustments or switching to a drug with less autonomic effect, and take precautions like standing up slowly and ensuring adequate hydration.