Did the doctor give you Benztropine too? Let's talk about this! (Benztropine)

Do you or someone in your family have tremors, stiff muscles, or a very awkward gait? These could be symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Also, some medications for mental illnesses can cause these types of movement problems. So, your doctor may have prescribed a medication called Benztropine to treat this condition. It is often sold under the brand name Cogentin. Today, we will talk in detail, very simply, about this medication, what it does, and what you should be aware of when taking it.

What kind of medicine is Benztropine?

Simply put, Benztropine is a medication that controls the activity of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in our brain. In particular, in conditions like Parkinson's disease, certain chemicals in the brain become unbalanced. This is why those tremors, stiffness, and difficulty moving occur. Benztropine works to correct this imbalance to some extent and control those symptoms.

Also, some medications used to treat mental illnesses can cause movement problems. In such cases, doctors may prescribe Benztropine tablets to control the side effects.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

This is very important. If your doctor prescribes Benztropine for you, you should tell him or her your complete medical history before starting the medication. Be sure to tell him or her about any of the following conditions, especially:

• Glaucoma: This is a condition in which pressure in the eyes increases. Benztropine can make this condition worse.
• Heart disease or rapid heartbeat: Tell us if you have any heart conditions or if your heartbeat is often rapid.
• Mental health issues: If you have a mental health condition, it is important to talk about it.
• Prostate problems: If you have an enlarged prostate, which makes it difficult to urinate, especially in older men, this medicine can increase it.
• Tardive Dyskinesia: This is also a condition caused by certain medications, causing uncontrollable muscle movements in the face or other parts of the body.
• Allergies to Benztropine or other medications: If you have had any previous allergies to this medication, any other medication, food, or dye, you should tell your doctor.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: You should definitely talk to your doctor about this.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: This medication can pass to your baby through breast milk, so inform your doctor about this as well.

How should I use the medicine?

This is very simple. Always take the correct dose, at the correct time, as your doctor has instructed you.

• Take this pill with a glass of water.
• Take the medicine at the prescribed intervals as prescribed by the doctor. For example, if it is twice a day, taking it about every 12 hours will help keep the medicine's effectiveness in the body at the same level.
• Never drink more than your doctor tells you to.
• If you miss a dose: If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take double doses to make up for a forgotten dose.

Can this medicine be given to children?

Yes, in some special cases, this medicine can be prescribed to children over 3 years of age. But that is decided by a pediatrician. Therefore, if you give this medicine to a child, you need to be especially careful about it.

What to do if you take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. Do not delay.

Things to be aware of when taking Benztropine

You will need to make some small changes to your lifestyle while taking this medication.

• Drowsiness and dizziness: Some people may feel drowsy or dizzy after taking this medicine. Therefore , stay away from activities that require a lot of attention, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medicine affects you. Especially if you are an elderly person, get up slowly when you get up from a sitting position or from bed. Otherwise, you may feel dizzy and fall.
• Alcohol: This medication can cause drowsiness when taken with alcohol. Therefore, avoid alcohol completely while taking this medication.
• Dry mouth: This is a common problem for many people taking this medication. Chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on a lollipop, and drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help reduce dry mouth. If this problem persists, talk to your doctor.
• Dry eyes and blurred vision: Some people may experience dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses, you may experience some discomfort. Lubricating drops can be used to help. However, if the problem persists, see an eye doctor.
• Decreased sweating and risk of heat stroke: This is a very important fact that many people do not know. When taking Benztropine, sweating can decrease. Therefore, when you work or exercise in a hot environment, your body temperature can rise dangerously without being able to escape. This is called heat stroke . Therefore, while taking this medicine, avoid things like working out in the hot sun, taking very hot baths, and going to saunas.

Side effects of the medicine

Like any medication, Benztropine can cause side effects. Some are serious, some are common. It is important to be aware of these.

Benztropine, Cogentin, Parkinson's disease, side effects, movement problems, medication, health