Treatment of Parkinson disease with other medicines. It is also used to control tremors and stiffness of the muscles due to certain antipsychotic medicines (eg, phenothiazines).
Benztropine are an anticholinergic. It works by decreasing the effects of acetylcholine, a chemical in the brain, resulting in decreased tremors or muscle stiffness.
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Some medical conditions may interact with Benztropine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Benztropine. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Benztropine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
Use Benztropine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Benztropine.
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Blurred vision; constipation; depression; dilated pupils; disorientation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; fast heartbeat; hallucinations; headache; heat stroke; impaired memory; increased sensitivity of eyes to light; lack of drive; lightheadedness; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness; numbness of fingers; sleeplessness; stomach upset; trembling of hands; urinary retention; weak or stiff muscles.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; confusion; difficult or painful urination; difficulty swallowing; eye pain; fast or pounding heartbeat; increase in body temperature; mood or mental changes; uncontrolled movements; vomiting.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include convulsions; dilated pupils; fast breathing; fast heartbeat; hot, dry, flushed skin; foul-smelling breath; hyperactivity; seizures.
Proper storage of Benztropine:Store Benztropine at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Benztropine out of the reach of children and away from pets.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Benztropine. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.