Which medication class includes drugs that may cause more side effects but can still be effective?

The correct answer highlights the class of medications known as tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which are recognized for their efficacy but also for the higher likelihood of side effects compared to some other antidepressant classes.

Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline, are known for their effectiveness in treating depression and certain anxiety disorders. However, they come with a range of potential side effects, including anticholinergic effects (like dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention), sedation, and weight gain, among others. This makes their use a bit more complicated, especially in patients who may be sensitive to these side effects or who are taking multiple medications.

Similarly, MAOIs, such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine, while effective, require strict dietary restrictions and can interact dangerously with various substances. Due to these factors, they tend to be prescribed less frequently than other classes of antidepressants that generally have a better side effect profile.

In contrast, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors, and atypical antidepressants generally present a more favorable side effect profile, which is