anticholinergic syndrome
a disorder produced by anticholinergic drugs and due to their antagonistic effects at acetylcholine receptors, marked by symptoms involving both the peripheral and central nervous systems. The former include dry mucous membranes, dry mouth, and flushed skin and face, whereas the latter include ataxia (unsteady gait), drowsiness, slurred speech, confusion and disorientation, hallucinations, and deficits, particularly of short-term memory. Tricyclic antidepressants, aliphatic phenothiazines, antiparkinsonian agents, and scopolamine are examples of drugs that can cause anticholinergic syndrome. This syndrome is often observed in patients receiving combinations of such drugs.