Cogentin (Benztropine)

tablet: flat, white, printed with MSD 60

shaking caused by other drugs

use of tranquilizers

use of other drugs for tension (within 14 days)

use of antipsychotic/neuroleptic drugs

use of sleeping pills, pain killers

use of anti-convulsive drugs, antihistamines

use of alcohol, alcoholism

any allergies to drugs or food

pregnancy and nursing

urination or intestinal problems

enlarged prostate

glaucoma (eye disease)

heart or blood vessel disease, high blood pressure

liver or kidney disease

muscle disease

prostate problems

uncontrolled movements of hands, mouth, or tongue

mental illness

nervous system disease

physical work (especially in the heat)

lack of sweating

increases the effects of other drugs and alcohol

blurred eyesight

sleepiness

dry mouth, nose or throat

nausea

nervousness

constipation

urinary problems

sometimes:
tardive dyskinesia: uncontrolled movements of the tongue, mouth, arms and legs, which may be permanent and may come after stopping the drug (after long-term use)

mental illness (with history)

urination problems (especially older men)

nausea, vomiting, indigestion, loss of appetite or weight

false sense of excitement, feel funny

headache

memory loss (especially in the elderly)

muscle cramps, loss of co-ordination, muscle weakness

numbness of fingers

fatigue

dizziness

allergic reaction (e.g. skin rash)

rarely:

unsteadiness, giddiness

hallucinations, delusions, agitation

enlargement of pupils, eye pain

difficulty in swallowing or breathing

soreness of mouth and tongue

severe headache

convulsions

irregular heartbeat

hot flushed skin

infertility (male)

• Cogentin can cause glaucoma, especially in the elderly, or if you are taking antidepressants.

• If you are taking diarrhea medicine, do not take it within 1 hour of this drug.

• You should not drive, operate machines, play sports or do dangerous things until you know what this medicine does to you.

• Tell your nurse, doctor, pharmacist or dentist about any other drugs you are taking before any new treatment. Check with them before you take any medicine, even if it isn't a prescription drug.

• Tardive dyskinesia (TD), or uncontrolled movements of the tongue, mouth, arms and legs, may be permanent and may come after stopping the drug. There is no known treatment for TD. One of the early signs of TD is a "worm-like" movement of the tongue. Stop the drug and see your doctor immediately if this happens to you.

• Avoid overheating your body with exercise, sun, saunas, hot baths, etc.

• Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the problems or conditions listed or anything unusual is happening, especially excitement, confusion, hallucinations, skin problems, or extreme tiredness.

• Withdrawal symptoms can be severe with psychiatric drugs. If you stop using them, do it slowly.

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