What is Cogentin/Benztropine used for?

This medicine is given to help relieve the symptoms of "parkinsonism": the muscle rigidity, tremors, and difficulties with posture and balance that occur in Parkinson's disease and that sometimes develop as unwanted side effects of antipsychotic drugs suc

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your Health care provider, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your Health care provider, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Cogentin/Benztropine be stored?

Store at room temperature in a cool dry place, protect from heat and light. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.

General drug information:

When should Cogentin/Benztropine not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine or to similar medications.

What precautions should I follow when taking Cogentin/Benztropine?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine if you are taking blood thinners if you have stomach problems if you have peptic ulcers if you have any other medical condition like liver or kidney function impairment or heart problem

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Cogentin/Benztropine?

Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery while taking this medicine, since the drug may impair your mental or physical abilities. Chronic illness, alcoholism, central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) disease, or heavy manual labor in a hot environment can increase the risk of dry mouth in people using this medicine. In hot weather, your doctor may lower your dosage of this medicine. If you are taking this medicine along with an antipsychotic or with a tricyclic antidepressant, tell your doctor immediately if you begin to have any stomach or bowel complaint, fever, or heat intolerance

What are the side effects of Cogentin/Benztropine?

Most severe:  Rapid heartbeat, rash, vomiting, allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Most common: Blurred vision, bowel blockage, confusion, constipation, depression, dilated pupils, disorientation, dry mouth, fever, hallucinations, heat stroke, impaired memory, inability to urinate, listlessness, nausea, nervousness, numbness in fingers

Other: None

How should I take Cogentin/Benztropine?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depend on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider or pharmacist. of the other antiparkinsonian medications, this medicine acts over a long period of time. It is thus particularly suitable as a bedtime medication because it lasts through the night. Taken at bedtime, it may help a person regain enough muscle control to move and roll over during sleep and to arise unaided in the morning. This medicine causes dry mouth. Sucking on sugarless hard candy or sipping water can relieve this problem. This medicine can reduce the ability to sweat, one of the key ways your body prevents overheating. Avoid excess sun or exercise that may cause overheating. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have ever had tachycardia (excessively rapid heartbeats) or if you have an enlarged prostate; you will require especially close monitoring while taking this medicine in these cases. Tell your doctor if this medicine produces weakness in particular muscle groups. For example, if you have been suffering from neck rigidity and this medicine suddenly causes your neck to relax so much that it feels weak, you may be taking more medicine han you need. If you have been taking another antiparkinsonism drug, do not stop taking it abruptly when you start taking this medicine. If you are to stop taking the other drug, your doctor will have you taper off gradually. When taken simultaneously with an antipsychotic medication (Thorazine, Stelazine, Haldol, others) or a tricyclic antidepressant medication (Elavil, Norpramin, Tofranil, others), this medicine has occasionally caused bowel blockage or heat stroke that proved dangerous or even fatal. If you are taking this medicine along with an antipsychotic or with a tricyclic antidepressant, tell your doctor immediately if you begin to have any stomach or bowel complaint, fever, or heat intolerance. Antacids, such as Tums, Maalox, and Mylanta, may decrease the effects of Cogentin. Do not take them within 1 hour of taking this medicine.