Benztropine For The Treatment Of Parkinson’s Disease
- Binish Ahmed
- Nov 18, 2016
- 2 min read
Benztropine is an anticholinergic drug used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease or involuntary movements caused due to psychiatric drugs. It is also used to control stiffness and tremors caused due to certain antipsychotic drugs.
How does it work?
Benztropine blocks a certain natural substance in the body, acetylcholine which is responsible for muscle stiffness, sweating, inability to walk properly and production of saliva. It also helps in stopping severe muscle spasms in the eyes, neck and back which are often caused by psychiatric drugs.
How to use it?
Take benztropine as directed by the doctor or 2-4 times a day with meals or at bedtime. Your doctor may start at a low dose and increase the dose gradually. Usually, the dosage is based on age, medical condition and response to therapy. The medicine is not to be used for children below 3 years of age.
If using an oral solution, the dose should be measured with the special measuring spoon. The household spoon does not provide the right dose.
Side effects
The common benztropine side effects are dizziness, drowsiness, flushing, nausea, constipation, dry mouth and blurred vision. However, if you feel high fever, severe stomachache, difficulty in swallowing, weakness, difficulty in urinating and decreased sexual ability, contact your doctor immediately. Similarly, seek immediate medical attention if you feel slow heartbeat, chest pain, severe dizziness, hallucinations, eye pain, redness, body swelling or vision changes.
Keep in mind that your doctor has prescribed you this drug because he believes that the benefit is far greater than the risk of side effects. In fact, many people who use benztropine do not experience any side effects.
Tell your doctor if
Before taking benztropine, tell your doctor:
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to conceive
If you have allergies to food, medicines and certain substances
If you are taking any prescription medicine, herbal preparation or dietary supplement
If you have urinary retention, tardive dyskinesia, irregular heartbeat, glaucoma or enlarged prostate.
If you have myasthenia gravis, ulcerative colitis or esophageal achalasia
Few things to keep in mind
One of the side effects of benztropine is blurred vision. The effect can worsen with alcohol and certain medications. Do not drive or operate machinery when you take this drug.
Benztropine also causes fainting, lightheadedness and dizziness. Therefore, sit up and stand slowly.
Lab tests such as kidney function, lung function, liver function, fasting glucose, blood pressure and blood cholesterol may be performed while you use benztropine.
You need to discuss the risks and benefits of benztropine if you are pregnant. The medicine is not found in breast milk but you still have to tell your doctor about weaning.
