Benzatropine is used in combination with other drugs, in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It is also used in controlling tremors and muscular rigidity associated with taking some antipsychotic drugs.
What is Benzatropine?
Benzatropine is an anticholinergic drug and it works by reducing the effects of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. In this way, it reduces tremors and muscular rigidity.
How should Benzatropine be taken?
Benzatropine can be administered by injection (intramuscular or directly into a vein) or orally (usually in the form of tablets).
Side effects associated with Benzatropine
Benzatropine can reduce sweating and increase the risk of heat stroke.
Among the most common adverse effects are included:
- Tarnished view
- Constipation
- Depression
- Dilated pupils
- Disorientation
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Rapid heartbeat
- Hallucinations
- Headache
- Memory difficulties
- Photophobia
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Fingers numbness
- Drowsiness
- Stomach discomfort
- Hand tremors
- Urinary retention
- Muscle weakness or stiffness
You should immediately contact a doctor if taking Avanafil triggers any of the following symptoms:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itchy skin
- Difficult breathing
- Pain or tightness in the chest
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
- Confusion
- Difficult or painful urination
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Eye pain
- Fast or pounding heartbeat
- Increase in body temperature
- Mood or behavior changes
- Uncontrolled movements
- Vomiting
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Benzatropine
Benzatropine can compromise the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery, especially when taken together with alcohol or other drugs. It may also cause dangerous dizziness when standing up from lying or sitting position, especially in the morning, in the heat, if you have a fever, if you exercise or if you are drinking alcohol.
Benzatropine should not be taken in case of angle-closure glaucoma, a bleeding disorder, esophageal achalasia, myasthenia gravis, intestinal or urinary blockages or ulcerative colitis.
Moreover, before starting the treatment it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, to other components or to other drugs or foods
- You are taking other medications, herbal remedies and supplements, citing in particular phenothiazines
- You suffer (or have suffered) from prostatic hypertrophy, irregular heartbeat, glaucoma (or risk factors for glaucoma), tardive dyskinesia or urinary retention
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
