Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

What is an example of a potential side effect of anticholinergic medications?

1. Enuresis

2. Blurred vision

3. Fatigue

4. Nausea

The correct answer is: Blurred vision

Anticholinergic medications block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in a variety of bodily functions. A common side effect of these medications is blurred vision, which occurs because acetylcholine also plays a role in the eye's ability to focus. When anticholinergic medications are taken, they can lead to an impairment in the eye's accommodation reflex, causing difficulty in focusing on objects, particularly at varying distances. This results in the experience of blurred vision for the individual. Other potential side effects of anticholinergic medications might include dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, and confusion, but blurred vision is a notable effect associated with their action in the body.