Trihexyphenidyl

Trihexyphenidyl is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and tremors caused by other medical problems or drugs. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Trihexyphenidyl comes as a tablet, liquid, and extended-release (long-acting) capsule to take by mouth. It usually is taken three or four times a day (with meals and at bedtime). The controlled-release capsules are taken once a day (after breakfast) or twice a day, every 12 hours. You may have to take trihexyphenidyl for a long time to treat Parkinson's disease. However, trihexyphenidyl may only be needed for a short period to treat other conditions. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take trihexyphenidyl exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking trihexyphenidyl suddenly without talking with your doctor, especially if you are also taking other medications. Sudden stoppage can cause symptoms of Parkinson's disease to return. Do not open the extended-release capsules and do not chew the tablets. Swallow them whole.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Trihexyphenidyl may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

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drowsiness</li>
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dizziness or blurred vision</li>
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dry mouth</li>
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upset stomach</li>
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vomiting</li>
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diarrhea</li>
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constipation</li>
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increased eye sensitivity to light</li>
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difficulty urinating</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

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skin rash</li>
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fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat</li>
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fever</li>
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confusion</li>
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depression</li>
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delusions or hallucinations</li>
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eye pain</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking trihexyphenidyl, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to trihexyphenidyl or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially amantadine (Symmetrel), digoxin, haloperidol (Haldol), levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet), tranquilizers, and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease, myasthenia gravis, heart or blood pressure problems, problems with your urinary system or prostate, or stomach problems. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking trihexyphenidyl. you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you. remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.