Benztropine mesylate is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and tremors caused by other medical problems or drugs.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Benztropine mesylate comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken at bedtime. It may be taken two or three times a day to treat tremors caused by other medical problems or drugs. You may not notice any improvement in your condition for 1-2 days. You may have to take benztropine mesylate for a long time to treat Parkinson's disease. However, it may only be needed for 1-2 weeks if your tremors are caused by other medical problems or drugs.
Your doctor may start with a small dose and increase it slowly after seeing your response to benztropine mesylate. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take benztropine mesylate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Do not stop taking benztropine mesylate suddenly without talking with your doctor, especially if you are also taking other medications. Sudden stoppage can cause symptoms of Parkinson's disease to return.
Benztropine mesylate is also used occasionally in geriatric patients who cannot take cerebral-stimulating medications. Talk with your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
Benztropine mesylate may cause an upset stomach. Take benztropine mesylate with food or milk.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
If you take benztropine mesylate once a day at bedtime and do not remember it until the next morning, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
drowsiness
dry mouth
difficulty urinating
constipation
skin rash
fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
fever
confusion
depression
delusions or hallucinations
eye pain
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
excitement
confusion
nervousness
seeing things that do not exist (hallucinating)
dizziness
muscle weakness
dry mouth
blurred vision
rapid or pounding heartbeat
upset stomach
vomiting
painful urination
difficulty swallowing
skin rash
headache
hot, dry, flushed skin
bloody vomit
seizure
coma
heat stroke
heartburn
constipation
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your response to benztropine mesylate.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Reviewed - 04/01/2012
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.