Tricyclic antidepressants
are a group of drugs which are primarily used to treat
depressive psychological disorders. These types of anti-depressants
work by stimulating the production of chemicals called
neurotransmitters. Tricyclic antidepressants can also
treat the symptoms of stress incontinence which occur
commonly as a side effect of prostate cancer treatment.
The surge in neurotransmitter production can also affect
the bladder neck muscles and urinary sphincter. The
receptors in these muscles are sensitive to increased
neurotransmitter numbers and respond by causing the
muscles to tighten. The constricted muscles increase
the resistance that intra-abdominal pressure must overcome
to cause the involuntary voiding of urine during coughing,
laughing, sneezing, etc.
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