Medicines and Drugs
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Benztropine mesylate oral
Drug Name Benztropine mesylate oral
Benztropine mesylate oral Drug Category ANTIDYSKINETICS - ORAL
Benztropine mesylate oral Drug Information
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
ANTIDYSKINETICS - ORAL
USES: This medication is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease or involuntary movements due to the side effects of certain psychiatric drugs.
HOW TO USE: Take with food or milk to prevent stomach upset, unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Take this drug as directed. It may take a few weeks or months before the full benefits of this medication are observed. Do not stop taking this medication without your doctor's approval. Suddenly stopping the medication can sometimes lead to a worsening of symptoms.
SIDE EFFECTS: This drug 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, fever, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, difficulty urinating, uncontrollable movements, muscle stiffness, fast/irregular heart rate, mood/mental changes. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use saliva substitute. This drug infrequently can cause decreased sweating, which could raise your body temperature (hyperthermia). The risk of this serious side effect is greater in hot weather and/or during vigorous exercise. Drink plenty of fluids and dress lightly while in hot climates, or when exercising. Check carefully for signs of decreased sweating. If this occurs, promptly seek cooler or air-conditioned shelter and/or stop exercising. Seek immediate medical attention if your body temperature is above normal, or if you have mental/mood changes, headache or dizziness. Consult your doctor for more details. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history especially of: glaucoma (narrow angle type), irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, urination problems (e.g., enlarged prostate), blockage of the esophagus/stomach/intestines, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Alcohol can increase drowsiness. Limit alcohol use. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug. Use cautiously. This drug should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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, other drugs which cause decreased sweating (e.g.,anticholinergics such as amitriptyline or haloperidol). 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.
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.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
MISSED 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.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms.