Benztropine

Benztropine is used to reduce tremors, muscle stiffness and movement problems that are associated with Parkinson’s disease and side effects of some medications used to treat mental conditions.

• Take Benztropine as prescribed by your doctor. If you are prescribed a regular dose of benztropine, do not stop taking it without checking with your healthcare professional.
• Benztropine may be taken with or after food

If you are told by your doctor to take benztropine regularly but forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You have a history of:
  • Heart condition
  • Kidney condition
  • Liver condition
  • Glaucoma (High pressure in eyes)
  • Obstructive gastrointestinal condition
  • Enlarged prostate
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
• You may sweat less than usual and experience heat stroke when exercising or under hot weather conditions. Do not exercise for a long period of time. Take frequent breaks and do not exercise when it is very hot.

• Dry mouth and throat
  • Suck sugar free candies, ice cubes to stimulate saliva production
• Constipation
  • Drink more water, eat more high fibre food
• Nausea
  • Take the medication with or after food to reduce nausea
• Dry skin

You should be careful when you do physical activities even as your condition improves so that you will not fall and injure yourself. Start your activities slowly so that your body can adjust to changes in balance and coordination.

Some patients may experience drowsiness, dizziness or blurred vision. Do not drive or use machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Very rarely, this medication may cause:

• Confusion or agitation
• Hearing or seeing things that are actually not present
• Difficulty passing urine or a decrease in the amount of urine
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Eye pain

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking benzhexol as it may cause excessive drowsiness.

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.