What does it do?

Benzatropine is used to treat Parkinson’s disease and sometimes other conditions.

How should you take it?

Take benzatropine regularly as directed with a glass of water.

What if you forget a dose?

If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with benzatropine including:

• antihistamines (also found in anti-allergy and cold/flu medicines)
• anti-nausea medicines (e.g. prochlorperazine, hyoscine (e.g. Scopoderm TTS®), meclozine (e.g. Sea-legs®)

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Fast or irregular heartbeat Hallucinations, unusual behaviour or thinking Memory problems, confusion Blurred vision Trouble peeing	Tell your doctor
Tiredness or weakness, dizziness Dry mouth Constipation Stomach upset	Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• Tell your doctor if you have heart, blood pressure, bowel, or mental health problems.
• Tell your doctor if you have trouble peeing, angle-closure glaucoma, or a chronic muscle condition (e.g. myasthenia gravis).
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• In hot weather and when exercising, you may need to increase your fluid intake to avoid over-heating, as benzatropine may reduce the amount that you sweat.
• Benzatropine can impair your ability to do tasks such as driving or using machines. Alcohol makes this worse. Discuss your risk with your health professional. (search NZTA - Are you safe to drive?)
• Do not stop taking benzatropine suddenly without talking to your doctor first. Your doctor may reduce the dose gradually.