Sign inBefore taking trihexyphenidyl
Before taking trihexyphenidyl make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have liver or kidney problems.
- If you have heart or blood vessel problems.
- If you have prostate problems, or have been experiencing difficulty passing urine.
- If you have been constipated for more than one week.
- If you have glaucoma.
- If you have high blood pressure.
- If you have myasthenia gravis (a condition causing tired and weak muscles).
- If you have ever had psychosis (a mental health problem).
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.
How to take trihexyphenidyl
- Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
- Take trihexyphenidyl exactly as your doctor has told you. You will probably be asked to slowly increase the number of doses you take until your symptoms improve.
- If you have been given trihexyphenidyl tablets, take your dose with a snack or just after eating a meal.
- Try to take trihexyphenidyl at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
- If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
- If you have been taking trihexyphenidyl for some time, do not stop taking it without speaking with your doctor first. Stopping suddenly can cause problems so your doctor will want you to reduce your dose gradually.
Getting the most from your treatment
- As your condition improves and your body movements become easier, be careful not to overdo physical activities. Physical activities must be increased gradually to allow your body to adjust to changes in balance, circulation and co-ordination. This is especially important if you are over 65 years of age.
- Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your progress can be monitored.
- If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking trihexyphenidyl.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Can trihexyphenidyl cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Dry mouth | Try chewing sugar-free gum, or sucking sugar-free sweets. If this becomes troublesome, speak with your doctor |
| Feeling or being sick | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods |
| Blurred vision, dizziness | If this happens, do not drive or use tools or machines |
| Constipation | Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre, and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day |
| Difficulty passing urine | If this becomes troublesome, speak with your doctor |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store trihexyphenidyl
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Broflex® Syrup, Alliance Pharmaceuticals, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated July 2009.
- British National Formulary; 62nd Edition (Sep 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)