Benztropine Mesylate Oral 

What is this medicine? 

BENZTROPINE (BENZ troe peen) is for certain movement problems due  to Parkinson's disease, certain medicines, or  other causes.
  
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider  or pharmacist if you have questions. 

What  should I tell my health care provider before I take  this medicine? 

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: 

• glaucoma
• heart disease  or a rapid heartbeat 
• mental  problems
• prostate trouble 
• tardive dyskinesia 
• an unusual  or allergic reaction  to benztropine,  other medicines, lactose, foods, dyes,  or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant 
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? 

Take this medicine by mouth  with a full glass of water.  Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take  your medicine at regular intervals.  Do not take your medicine  more often than directed. 

Talk to  your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 3 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply. 

Overdosage: If  you think you have taken too much  of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. 

NOTE: This medicine is only  for you. Do not share  this medicine with others. 

What if I miss a dose? 

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you can. However, if it  is almost time for  your next dose, skip  the missed dose and go back to  your regular dosing schedule. 

What may interact with  this medicine?

• haloperidol
• medicines for movement abnormalities like Parkinson's disease 
• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine 
• some antidepressants like amitriptyline, desipramine, doxepin, nortriptyline 
• stimulant medicines for attention, weight loss,  and to stay awake 
• tegaserod

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list  of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine. 

What should I watch for while using this medicine? 

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. 

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks. 

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty  of water may help. Contact  your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe. 

This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision.  If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if  the problem does not go away  or is severe. 

You may sweat less than usual while you are taking this medicine. As a result your body temperature could rise to a dangerous level. Be careful  not to get overheated during exercise or in hot weather. You could get heat stroke. Avoid taking hot baths and using hot tubs and saunas. 

What side effects  may I notice from receiving this medicine? 

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: 

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue 
• changes in vision 
• confusion
• decreased sweating or heat intolerance 
• depression
• fast, irregular heartbeat 
• hallucinations
• memory loss 
• muscle weakness
• pain  or difficulty passing urine 
• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): 

• constipation
• dry mouth 
• nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. 

Where  should I keep my medicine? 

Keep out of  the reach of children. 

Store below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away  any unused medicine after the expiration date.