Artane

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Prescription Drug Information, Side Effects & Interactions for Artane

Uses
This medication is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease or involuntary movements due to the side effects of certain psychiatric drugs.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not store in the bathroom.
Do not freeze liquid forms.

Artane

How To Use

Take with food or milk to prevent stomach upset, unless your doctor directs you otherwise.
Take this drug as directed.
It may take a few weeks or months before the full benefits of this medication are observed.
Do not stop taking this medication without your doctor's approval.
Suddenly stopping the medication can sometimes lead to a worsening of symptoms.

Side Effects

This drug may cause drowsiness, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, stomach upset, vision changes, sleeplessness, trembling of the hands or dry mouth.
These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medicine.
If they persist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly.
Notify your doctor promptly if you develop vomiting, difficulty swallowing, difficulty urinating, uncontrollable movements, chest pain, rapid heart rate, skin rash, mood or mental changes.
To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use saliva substitute.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history especially of glaucoma, irregular heartbeats, urination problems and of any allergies.
Alcohol can increase drowsiness.
Limit alcohol use.
Caution is advised when performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving) since this product may cause drowsiness.
May cause dizziness especially when rising quickly from a seated or lying position.
Change positions slowly.
Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug.
Use cautiously.
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 is excreted into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered unless the next scheduled dose is within 2 hours.
If so, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not double the dose to catch up.

Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor about all the medicine you use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially if you take other medicines that make you sleepy such as tranquilizers or psychiatric medicine(e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), narcotic pain relievers, muscle relaxants, anti-seizure or anti-anxiety drugs.
Also report use of amantadine or digoxin.
Many nonprescription medicines for coughs and colds contain ingredients that may make you drowsy or give you dry mouth.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using such products and/or to help you identify these ingredients.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.