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Benztropine is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease or to control the side effects of phenothiazine tranquilizers. It is not understood how this medication works, but benztropine may act by helping to balance certain chemicals in the brain. Benztropine FactsBrand names (manufacturers): benztropine (various manufacturers); Cogentin (Merck)
Type of drug: Anticholinergic and antiparkinsonism agent
Ingredient: Benztropine
Dosage form: Tablets (0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg)
Storage: Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Do not refrigerate.
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To reduce the possibility of stomach irritation, you can take benztropine with food or just after a meal.
If you miss a dose of benztropine, take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is within two hours of your
next dose, don't take the missed dose at all; just return to
your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose of benztropine.
Minor: Bloating; blurred vision; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth, throat, and nose; false sense of well-being; headache; increased sensitivity of the eyes to light; muscle cramps; nausea; nervousness; reduced sweating; or weakness. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts benztropine.
If you are constipated, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
Chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or a piece of hard candy to reduce mouth dryness.
If your eyes become sensitive to light, avoid exposure to the sun or wear sunglasses.
To avoid dizziness and light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising. Do this by pushing one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating feet so that you are pumping your legs in a pedaling motion.
Major: Tell your doctor about any side effects of benztropine that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about depression, difficulty in urinating, difficulty sleeping, hallucinations, involuntary muscle movements, loss of balance, memory loss, mood changes, numbness of the fingers, palpitations, or unusual excitement.
Some side effects may occur for a short time after discontinuing benztropine. Consult your doctor if they become bothersome.
Benztropine can interact with several other types of medications:
- Benztropine can cause extreme drowsiness when combined with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants (such as antihistamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepine tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, narcotics, and pain medications) or with tricyclic antidepressants.
- Amantadine, antihistamines, haloperidol, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, phenothiazine tranquilizers, procainamide, quinidine, and tricyclic antidepressants can increase the side effects from benztropine. At least 14 days should separate the use of benztropine and the use of an MAO inhibitor.
- Antacids and antidiarrheal medicines prevent absorption of this medication, so at least one hour should separate doses of benztropine and one of these medicines.
Before starting to take benztropine, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications that you are currently taking, especially any of the medications that are discussed above.
Warnings
- Be sure to tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially any reactions to benztropine.
- Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had achalasia (difficulty in relaxing certain muscles), glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, myasthenia gravis, blockage of the intestinal tract or urinary tract, enlarged prostate gland, stomach ulcers, or thyroid disease.
- If benztropine makes you dizzy or drowsy, be sure to avoid any activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous equipment. Be careful when using stairs, and avoid getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position.
- Benztropine can decrease sweating and heat release from the body. You should, therefore, avoid getting overheated by strenuous exercise in hot weather and should avoid taking hot baths, showers, and saunas.
- Elderly patients are more sensitive to the effects of benztropine. Contact your doctor if you experience confusion, disorientation, agitation, or hallucinations.
- Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Extensive studies of benztropine use during pregnancy have not been conducted. Also tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of this medication may pass into breast milk. In addition, benztropine can reduce milk formation in lactating women.
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