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Trihexyphenidyl is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease or involuntary movements due to the side effects of certain psychiatric drugs (antipsychotics such as chlorpromazine/haloperidol). Trihexyphenidyl belongs to a class of medication called anticholinergics that work by blocking a certain natural substance (acetylcholine). This helps decrease muscle stiffness, sweating, and the production of saliva, and helps improve walking ability in people with Parkinson's disease.Anticholinergics can stop severe muscle spasms of the back, neck, and eyes that are sometimes caused by psychiatric drugs. It can also decrease other side effects such as muscle stiffness/rigidity (extrapyramidal signs-EPS). It is not helpful in treating movement problems caused by tardive dyskinesia and may worsen them.
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| Overview |
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How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Tremin
Uses
Trihexyphenidyl is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease or involuntary movements due to the side effects of certain psychiatric drugs (antipsychotics such as chlorpromazine/haloperidol). Trihexyphenidyl belongs to a class of medication called anticholinergics that work by blocking a certain natural substance (acetylcholine). This helps decrease muscle stiffness, sweating, and the production of saliva, and helps improve walking ability in people with Parkinson's disease.Anticholinergics can stop severe muscle spasms of the back, neck, and eyes that are sometimes caused by psychiatric drugs. It can also decrease other side effects such as muscle stiffness/rigidity (extrapyramidal signs-EPS). It is not helpful in treating movement problems caused by tardive dyskinesia and may worsen them.
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., eye exams) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- Consult your doctor for more details.
Storage
- Store at room temperature between 68-77 F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
- Do not store in the bathroom.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Overdose
- Symptoms of overdose may include: unusually fast/slow heartbeat, slow/shallow breathing, unconsciousness, seizures, loss of coordination, fever, hot/dry/flushed skin, widened pupils, change in vision, change in the amount of urine, confusion, hallucinations.
How To Use
- Take this medication by mouth, usually 3 to 4 times a day with meals and at bedtime, or as directed by your doctor.
- Your doctor may start you at a low dose and increase your dose slowly to find the best dose for you.
- The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.If you are using the liquid form of this medication, measure your dose with a special measuring spoon or device.
- Do not use a household spoon because it may not provide the correct dose.Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
- To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.Take this medication at least 1 hour before antacids containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium.
- Allow at least 1-2 hours between doses of trihexyphenidyl and certain drugs for diarrhea (adsorbent antidiarrheals such as kaolin, pectin, attapulgite).
- Take this medication at least 2 hours after ketoconazole.
- Antacids and some drugs for diarrhea may prevent the full absorption of trihexyphenidyl, and this product may prevent the complete absorption of ketoconazole when these products are taken together.If you are taking this medication for side effects from another medication, your doctor may instruct you to take it on a regular schedule or only as needed.
- If you are taking this medication for Parkinson's disease, your doctor may change the dose of your other medications (e.g., levodopa).
- Follow your doctor's instructions closely.Rarely, abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction) is possible with this medication.
- Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or take it for a longer time than prescribed.
- Properly stop the medication when so directed.
- Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped.
- Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing.
- Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.
- Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side Effects
- Drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, flushing, nausea, nervousness, blurred vision, or dry mouth may occur.
- These effects usually lessen as your body gets used to the medicine.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: decreased sexual ability, severe stomach/abdominal pain, difficult/painful swallowing, difficulty urinating, vision changes, weakness.Seek immediate medical attention if any of these very unlikely but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, severe dizziness/fainting, high fever, fast/irregular/slow heartbeat, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, hallucinations, memory problems).A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
- Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing..If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before taking trihexyphenidyl, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
- Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain eye problem (narrow-angle glaucoma), blockage of the bladder/esophagus/stomach/intestines (e.g., bowel obstruction), severe ulcerative colitis.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: alcohol use, breathing problems (e.g., asthma, emphysema), diarrhea caused by an infection, certain eye problem (open-angle glaucoma), heart problems (e.g., angina, heart attack, heart failure, fast/irregular heartbeat), high/low blood pressure, intestinal problems (e.g., chronic constipation, ileus, ulcerative colitis), kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood problems (e.g., anxiety, dementia, psychosis), certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis), certain nerve disease (autonomic neuropathy), seizure, stomach problems (e.g., acid reflux, hiatal hernia, ulcer), stroke, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), problems urinating (e.g., due to enlarged prostate, neurogenic bladder).This drug may make you dizzy/drowsy or cause blurred vision; use caution while engaging in activities requiring alertness or clear vision such as driving or using machinery.
- Avoid alcohol beverages.To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.This medication decreases saliva production, an effect that can increase gum and tooth problems (e.g., cavities, gum disease).
- Take special care with your dental hygiene (e.g., brushing, flossing) and have regular dental check-ups.Liquid forms of this product may contain alcohol.
- Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease.
- Some medications (e.g., disulfiram, metronidazole) may cause a serious reaction when combined with alcohol.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any medication that should not be used with alcohol.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.This drug can cause decreased sweating, which could cause a severe rise in your body temperature (hyperthermia).
- The risk of this serious side effect is greater in hot weather, during vigorous exercise, and/or if you drink alcohol.
- Drink plenty of fluids and dress lightly while in hot weather and when exercising.
- If you experience signs of hyperthermia such as mental/mood changes, headache, or dizziness, promptly seek cool or air-conditioned shelter and/or stop exercising, and seek immediate medical attention.
- Consult your doctor for more details.The elderly may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially dizziness, heatstroke, memory problems, and constipation.Children may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially effects on heart rate.This drug should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
- If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug Interactions
- Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.This drug should not be used with the following medication because very serious interactions may occur: pramlintide.If you are currently using the medication listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting trihexyphenidyl.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially: amantadine, anticholinergics/antispasmodics (e.g., belladonna alkaloids, clidinium), certain antiarrhythmics (e.g., disopyramide, procainamide, quinidine), cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil, galantamine), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), motion sickness medication (e.g., meclizine, scopolamine), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., meperidine), potassium products, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, doxepin).Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., risperidone, trazodone).Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain anticholinergics or drowsiness-causing ingredients.
- Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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