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Benzatropine


  • Benzatropine will be given to you by a doctor or nurse
  • Benzatropine may reduce your ability to sweat. Take care not to overheat

About benzatropine

Type of medicine Antimuscarinic
Used for Treatment of severe side-effects of antipsychotic medicines such as abnormal movement and stiffness
Also called Cogentin
Benztropine
Available as Injection

Some medicines used to treat psychosis can cause side effects such as abnormal movements and severe stiffness. These are similar to the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Benzatropine injection works by reducing the stiffness and abnormal movements. In tablet form it was also used to treat Parkinson's disease but tablets are no longer available in the UK.

Before taking benzatropine

Before taking benzatropine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
  • if you suffer from heart, liver or kidney problems
  • If you have prostate problems or problems passing water
  • If you have constipation
  • If you suffer from glaucoma (raised pressure in the eye)

How to take benzatropine

  • Benzatropine injection will be given to you by a doctor or nurse

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Benzatropine can cause dizziness, drowsiness and blurred vision. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before driving, operating machinery or doing any jobs that could be dangerous if you were dizzy or unable to see properly.
  • As your condition improves and your body movements become easier, be careful not to overdo physical activities. Allow your body to adjust to changing balance, circulation and co-ordination by increasing physical activity gradually. This is especially important in the elderly.
  • Benztropine may affect your ability to sweat. Take care not to overheat, especially if you are in a hot environment

Can benzatropine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. 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 or ice. If a dry mouth becomes too much of a problem speak to your doctor.
Blurred vision Do not drive or operate machinery if you cannot see properly. Ask your doctor for advice.
Constipation Drink plenty of water and eat foods high in fibre such as fruit, vegetables and wholemeal bread. If constipation becomes a problem speak to your pharmacist or doctor for advice

Other side effects that may occur are problems passing water, dizziness, fast heartbeat, feeling confused, feeling restless or nervous, problems with memory, seeing or hearing things that are not real, problems sleeping, a rash, overheating.

How to store benzatropine

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3569		 DocRef:
dils3010		 Last Updated:
2 Feb 2007		 Date of Next Review:
1 Feb 2009		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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