Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

What is a common side effect of anticholinergic medications?

1. Drowsiness

2. Constipation

3. Blurred vision

4. Both b and c

The correct answer is: Both b and c

Anticholinergic medications are known for their ability to block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in various bodily functions. This mechanism leads to a range of side effects due to the widespread role of acetylcholine in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Constipation is a common side effect because acetylcholine plays a vital role in regulating the movement of the intestines. When its action is inhibited, the motility of the gastrointestinal tract decreases, resulting in slowed bowel movements and constipation. Blurred vision is another side effect associated with anticholinergic medications. These medications can cause dilation of the pupils (mydriasis) and affect the eye muscles, leading to difficulty focusing. This occurs because acetylcholine is also involved in the contraction of muscles in the eye that help with focusing on objects at varying distances. Since both constipation and blurred vision are hallmark side effects of anticholinergic medication, the correct answer encompasses both of these effects as common and expected outcomes of anticholinergic therapy.