What does it do?

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

Before you start

• Tell your doctor if you have bladder, prostate, bowel or mental health problems, or angle-closure glaucoma.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

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:

• some antihistamines or anti-nausea medicines such as promethazine (e.g. Phenergan®), hyoscine (e.g. Scopoderm®), 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	Tell your doctor
Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation or trouble peeing (anticholinergic effects) Tiredness or weakness, dizziness Stomach upset	Tell your doctor if troublesome

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

Other information:

• 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.