benztropine Health Article

Generic name(s):

benztropine

Brand name(s):

Cogentin

What is the most important information I should know about benztropine?

Before using benztropine, tell your doctor you have glaucoma, a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis, a history of tremor or uncontrolled muscle movements, or a history of bowel obstruction or other intestinal disorder.

Benztropine can cause side effects that may impair your vision, thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

What is benztropine?

Benztropine reduces the effects of certain chemicals in the body that may become unbalanced as a result of disease (such as Parkinson's), drug therapy, or other causes.

Benztropine is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as stiffness, tremors, spasms, and poor muscle control. Benztropine is also used to treat and prevent these symptoms when they are caused by drugs such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), perphenazine (Trilafon), and others.

Benztropine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking benztropine?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to benztropine.

Before using benztropine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• glaucoma;

• a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis;

• a history of tremor or uncontrolled muscle movements; or

• a history of bowel obstruction or other intestinal disorder.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use benztropine, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether benztropine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take benztropine?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water. Benztropine can be taken with food to lessen stomach upset.

It may be best to take this medication at bedtime. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Store benztropine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention of you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of a benztropine overdose may include weakness, confusion, hallucinations, loss of balance, dry mouth, constipation, problems urinating, blurred vision, fast or pounding heartbeat, nausea and vomiting, numbness in your fingers, headache, hot or dry skin, dizziness, or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking benztropine?

Benztropine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of benztropine.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Benztropine can reduce your body's ability to sweat, which may result in heat stroke.