What is a common side effect of anticholinergic medications used for treating urinary incontinence?

Anticholinergic medications are commonly prescribed for urinary incontinence due to their ability to inhibit the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in bladder contractions. One of the well-known side effects of these medications is dry mouth, which occurs because the anticholinergic effect reduces saliva production by blocking the secretion of glands stimulated by acetylcholine. This can lead to discomfort in patients, as saliva is essential for maintaining oral hydration and overall oral health.

While other side effects can occur, such as increased appetite, headaches, and drowsiness, they are not as specifically associated with the mechanism of action of anticholinergics as dry mouth is. Thus, dry mouth stands out as a particularly common and significant side effect that patients may experience when receiving treatment with these medications.