Getting a new medicine from your doctor can bring up many questions. You might wonder what the medicine does, why you need it, and how to stay safe while taking it. Today, we will talk about an important medicine called trihexyphenidyl. You might also know it by its common brand name, Artane.
If you or someone in your family has been given this prescription, this guide will help you understand every step. We will walk through how it works, what to look out for, and how to take it safely every day.
Key Takeaways at a Glance
- Trihexyphenidyl helps manage muscle stiffness, shaking, and movement problems.
- Always take your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you to.
- Never stop taking this medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor first.
- Common effects include a dry mouth, mild blurry vision, and feeling sleepy.
- Keep the medicine safely stored away from children at room temperature.
Know your body mass index (BMI) and weight classification
What is this medicine used for?
Simply put, doctors usually prescribe this medicine for two main reasons. Both reasons involve helping your body control movements better.
1. Parkinsonism: This is a condition that affects your brain and nerves. It can cause your hands to shake, your muscles to feel very stiff, and your body movements to become quite slow. Trihexyphenidyl helps reduce these symptoms so you can move more comfortably.
2. Movement problems caused by other medicines: Sometimes, medicines used for mental health or other conditions can cause movement issues that look like Parkinsonism. Doctors often use trihexyphenidyl to help stop or ease those specific side effects.
The most important rule is to take this medicine only under a doctor's care. Never take it just because a friend or family member said it worked for them.
Things you must tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before your doctor writes your prescription, you must share your complete medical history. This information helps your doctor decide if this medicine is safe for you or if your dose needs to be adjusted.
| Tell your doctor right away if you have these conditions: |
|---|
| Glaucoma (high pressure inside your eyes) |
| Heart disease or high blood pressure |
| Kidney or liver disease |
| Prostate gland problems (for male patients) |
| Any allergies to this medicine, food, or dyes |
| Pregnancy, plans to get pregnant, or breastfeeding |
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View Clinical Details →How should you use this medicine?
Taking your medicine correctly ensures it works safely and effectively in your body every day. Follow these simple rules:
- Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water.
- Take your medicine exactly when your doctor tells you to. If you take it twice a day, try to take your doses at the exact same times every day.
- Never take more than the dose your doctor prescribed.
- Most important: Never stop taking this medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor. Stopping abruptly can cause severe reactions. If you need to stop, your doctor will lower your dose slowly over time.
Special care for children and older adults
If a child needs this medicine, a pediatrician must oversee the treatment carefully. Also, adults over 65 years old may feel the effects of this medicine much more strongly. Doctors usually start older adults on a much lower dose to keep them safe.
What to do if you take too much?
If you think you have taken too many pills by accident, get help right away. Call your local emergency number (such as 911 in the US or 999 in the UK) or go straight to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ER or A&E) without waiting.
What if you miss a dose?
If you forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose completely. Never take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed pill.
Things to watch out for while taking this medicine
While you take trihexyphenidyl, your body might react in a few specific ways. Knowing what to expect helps you stay comfortable.
- Dry mouth: Your mouth might feel quite dry while taking this pill. You can manage this by chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free candies, or sipping water throughout the day.
- Dry eyes and blurry vision: Your eyes might feel dry, and your sight could look a little blurry. If you wear contact lenses, you might notice some extra discomfort. Using lubricating eye drops can help. Call your eye doctor if this does not improve.
- Sleepiness and dizziness: This medicine can make you feel sleepy or dizzy. Until you know how the medicine affects your body, avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or doing tasks that need sharp focus.
- Changing your posture: Stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position to prevent sudden dizziness or fainting. Older adults should be especially careful with sudden movements.
- Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol completely. Alcohol can change how this medicine works and make side effects much worse.
What side effects can happen?
Like all medicines, trihexyphenidyl can cause side effects. Not everyone gets them, but knowing the signs helps you stay safe.
| If you notice these serious signs, call your doctor right away: |
|---|
| Allergic reactions: Skin rashes, itching, swelling of your face, lips, or tongue. |
| Vision changes: Severe changes in your vision beyond mild blurriness. |
| Heart rhythm: Feeling like your heart is beating too fast or beating irregularly. |
| Mental changes: Seeing or hearing things that are not real (hallucinations). |
| Vomiting: Continuous or nonstop vomiting. |
| If these mild effects continue or bother you, tell your doctor: |
|---|
| Mild anxiety or feeling restless. |
| Slight dizziness or a mild sleepy feeling. |
| Mild nausea or an upset stomach feeling. |
When to Seek Emergency Help
If you experience severe breathing trouble, sudden facial swelling, severe confusion, or fainting spells, call 911 (US/Canada) or 999 (UK) right away or go to your closest hospital emergency department.
How should you store this medicine?
Proper storage keeps your medicine safe and strong until you use it.
- Keep it away from children: Always store your medicine in a high or locked cabinet where kids cannot reach it.
- Store the tablets at room temperature, ideally between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Keep them away from high heat, bright sunlight, and damp areas like bathrooms.
- Safely throw away any pills that have passed their expiration date. Ask your local pharmacist how to dispose of old medicines properly.
💡 Take-Home Message
Managing your health well means staying informed and following expert guidance. Here are the core reminders to keep in mind:
- This medicine was prescribed specifically for your medical condition. Never share your pills with anyone else.
- Share your complete medical history and all other supplements or medicines with your doctor before starting.
- Never stop taking your dose abruptly without professional medical approval.
- Stay completely away from alcohol while taking this prescription.
- Be cautious when driving or working because this medicine can cause sleepiness.
- Reach out to your doctor right away if you notice any severe side effects.
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