Indications
- Benztropine is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and involuntary movements caused by certain psychiatric drugs.
- It belongs to the anticholinergic class, blocking acetylcholine to reduce muscle stiffness, sweating, and saliva production.
- It can improve walking ability in people with Parkinson’s disease.
- Anticholinergics like benztropine can alleviate severe muscle spasms in the back, neck, and eyes caused by psychiatric drugs.
- It can also decrease side effects such as muscle stiffness/rigidity (extrapyramidal signs-EPS).
- Not effective for movement problems caused by tardive dyskinesia and may worsen them.
- Benztropine is not recommended for children under 3 years old.
Dosage and administration
- Take benztropine by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 4 times a day with meals and at bedtime, or as a single bedtime dose.
- Your doctor may start with a low dose and adjust it based on your medical condition, age, and response to therapy.
- If using the oral solution, measure the dose with a special device, not a household spoon.
- Take regularly at the same times each day for maximum benefit.
- Take at least 1 hour before antacids containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium.
- Allow 1-2 hours between benztropine and certain diarrhea drugs.
- Take at least 2 hours after ketoconazole.
- If used for side effects from another medication, take on a regular schedule or as needed.
- For Parkinson’s disease, the doctor may adjust other medication doses.
- Long-term use may lead to reduced effectiveness; inform your doctor if it stops working.
- Benztropine may carry a risk of addiction, especially with a history of substance use disorder.
- Take exactly as prescribed, do not increase, and follow the doctor’s instructions for gradual discontinuation.
- It may take 2-3 days for the drug to take effect; inform your doctor if the condition persists or worsens.
Side effects
- Common side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, flushing, nausea, nervousness, blurred vision, or dry mouth.
- Report to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects persist or worsen.
- Minimize dizziness by getting up slowly from sitting or lying positions.
- Manage dry mouth with sugarless hard candy, ice chips, gum, water, or saliva substitute.
- The medication’s benefits are considered greater than the risk of side effects, as determined by your doctor.
- Serious side effects may include high fever, decreased sexual ability, severe stomach/abdominal pain, difficult/painful swallowing, difficulty urinating, or weakness.
- Seek immediate medical attention for severe side effects such as chest pain, severe dizziness/fainting, irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes, eye pain/swelling/redness, or vision changes.
- Very serious allergic reactions are rare but require immediate medical help, manifesting as rash, itching/swelling (especially face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
- This list does not cover all possible side effects, and any unlisted effects should be reported to your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies to benztropine or inactive ingredients in the product.
- Share your medical history, including glaucoma, breathing problems, heart issues, high/low blood pressure, intestinal problems, kidney/liver disease, mental/mood problems, muscle/nerve diseases, seizures, stomach problems, stroke, overactive thyroid, substance use disorder, or family history of such conditions.
- Be cautious about activities requiring alertness, as benztropine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Avoid alcohol and marijuana, which can intensify these effects.
- Practice good dental hygiene due to decreased saliva production, which may increase the risk of gum and tooth problems.
- Be aware that benztropine may reduce sweating, increasing the risk of heat stroke. Take precautions in hot weather, stay hydrated, and seek medical help if experiencing symptoms like fever, mental/mood changes, headache, or dizziness.
- Older adults are more sensitive to side effects, particularly dizziness, drowsiness, heatstroke, memory problems, difficulty urinating, and constipation.
- Children may be more sensitive to the drug’s effects on heart rate.
- Use during pregnancy is advised only if necessary, and breastfeeding should be discussed with your doctor.
- This information is not exhaustive, and any concerns or unlisted effects should be communicated to your healthcare provider.