Final answer:
Patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy may experience severe side effects from tricyclic antidepressant drugs due to their anticholinergic properties, which can worsen symptoms such as prostate enlargement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy may have clinically significant side effects from tricyclic antidepressant drugs. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine and amitriptyline, are used to treat major depression but can cause a range of side effects due to their anticholinergic properties. Among these side effects are urinary retention and exacerbation of prostate enlargement, which can be particularly problematic for patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy. These individuals should approach the use of tricyclic antidepressants with caution and consider alternative therapies for depression under the guidance of their healthcare provider.