BENZTROPINE MESYLATE

Drug Name: BENZTROPINE MESYLATE

BENZTROPINE MESYLATE DESCRIPTION:
ANTIDYSKINETICS - ORAL

COMMON BENZTROPINE MESYLATE BRAND NAME(S):
Akineton, Artane, Cogentin, Kemadrin

BENZTROPINE MESYLATE SIDE EFFECTS:
BENZTROPINE MESYLATE may cause drowsiness, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, stomach upset, vision changes, sleeplessness, trembling of the hands or dry mouth. These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medicine. If they persist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop: vomiting, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, difficulty urinating, uncontrollable movements, rapid heart rate, skin rash, mood/mental changes. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use saliva substitute. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE BENZTROPINE MESYLATE:
BENZTROPINE MESYLATE: Take with food or milk to prevent stomach upset, unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Take BENZTROPINE MESYLATE as directed. It may take a few weeks or months before the full benefits of BENZTROPINE MESYLATE are observed. Do not stop taking BENZTROPINE MESYLATE without your doctor's approval. Suddenly stopping the medication can sometimes lead to a worsening of symptoms.

BENZTROPINE MESYLATE USES:
BENZTROPINE MESYLATE is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease or involuntary movements due to the side effects of certain psychiatric drugs.

BENZTROPINE MESYLATE PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history especially of: glaucoma, irregular heartbeat, urination problems, any allergies. Alcohol can increase drowsiness. Limit alcohol use. Caution is advised when performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving) since this product may cause drowsiness. May cause dizziness especially when rising quickly from a seated or lying position. Change positions slowly. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug. Use cautiously. BENZTROPINE MESYLATE should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor It is not known if BENZTROPINE MESYLATE is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

BENZTROPINE MESYLATE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about all the medicine you use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially if you take other medicines that make you sleepy such as: tranquilizers; psychiatric medicine(e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine); narcotic pain relievers; muscle relaxants; anti-seizure drugs; anti-anxiety medicine. Also inform your doctor if you take: amantadine, digoxin. Many nonprescription medicines for coughs and colds contain ingredients that may make you drowsy or give you dry mouth. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using such products and/or to help you identify these ingredients. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

BENZTROPINE MESYLATE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, slow or shallow breathing, drowsiness, unconsciousness, seizures, loss of coordination, fever, hot, dry, or flushed skin, dry mouth or nose, bad breath, constipation, large pupils or change in vision, change in amount of urine, nausea/vomiting, rash, confusion, hallucinations, anxiety, headache, trouble swallowing, or unusual speech.

BENZTROPINE MESYLATE NOTES:
Do not share BENZTROPINE MESYLATE with others.

MISSED BENZTROPINE MESYLATE DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered unless the next scheduled dose is within 2 hours. If so, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

BENZTROPINE MESYLATE STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms.