Sometimes when a doctor prescribes a medicine for you or someone in your family, you wonder what it is, what it does, and what precautions you should take. Today we are going to talk about a medicine that is important to many people. It is Trihexyphenidyl. You may know it by the brand name `Artane`.
What is this medicine used for?
Simply put, this medicine is mainly used in two situations.
1. Parkinsonism: This is a brain disorder that causes tremors, stiffness, and slow movements. Trihexyphenidyl helps control these symptoms.
2. Movement problems caused by other medications: Some medications used for mental illnesses can also cause movement problems similar to Parkinson's disease in some people. This medicine is also used in such cases.
The most important thing is that this medicine should only be used under the advice of a doctor. Never use this medicine just because you think it will help you or because someone else thinks it will help you.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medication for you, it is extremely important to inform him about any other medical conditions you have. Because based on that information, the doctor will decide whether this medication is suitable for you or not, or whether the dosage needs to be changed.
| Tell your doctor if you have these conditions. |
|---|
| Glaucoma (increased eye pressure) |
| Heart disease or high blood pressure |
| Kidney or liver disease |
| Prostate gland problems (for men) |
| If you have an allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding |
How should I use the medicine?
- Take this pill with a glass of water.
- Take your medicine exactly as your doctor prescribed. If it's twice a day, try to keep it at the same time every day.
- Do not drink more than the prescribed amount.
- Most importantly: Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so can cause a serious reaction. If you do stop, do so gradually, as your doctor tells you.
Special attention to children and the elderly
If you are giving this medicine to children, you should talk to a pediatrician about it. Also, people over the age of 65 may feel the effects of this medicine a little stronger. Therefore, they are usually prescribed a lower dose.
What do you do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken an overdose, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Otherwise, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) without delay.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
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. Never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Dry mouth: It is common to experience dry mouth while taking this medication. This can be managed by chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free candy, and drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
- Dry eyes and blurred vision: Your eyes may feel dry and your vision may be a little blurry. If you wear contact lenses, you may experience some discomfort. Lubricating drops can be used for this. However, if this condition persists or is severe, see your eye doctor.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore , do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- Changing positions: When you stand up suddenly, or when you get up from a sitting position, you may feel dizzy and fall. Be very careful about this, especially if you are elderly. Change positions frequently.
- Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol can alter the effects of this medication and increase side effects.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Not everyone gets them. However, it's important to be aware of them.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergy symptoms | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Vision changes | A drastic change, different from blurring the appearance. |
| Heartbeat | Feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly. |
| Mental changes | Seeing or hearing things that are not there (Hallucinations). |
| Vomiting | Persistent vomiting. |
| If these symptoms persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Anxiety | Feeling unwell. |
| Dizziness/drowsiness | Mild dizziness or drowsiness. |
| Nausea | Feeling like vomiting. |
How should you store your medicine?
- Keep it out of the reach of children. This is very important.
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 Celsius). Keep away from excessive heat and moisture.
- Discard any medication that has passed its expiration date without using it.
Take-Home Message
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only for your medical condition. Never share your medicine with anyone else.
- Before you start taking the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- Avoid stopping the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking the medication.
- As drowsiness may occur, be careful when performing tasks that require attention, such as driving.
- If a severe side effect occurs, seek medical advice immediately.
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