What are the side effects of Benztropine?

From the Guidelines

Benztropine is associated with side effects, particularly when used to treat extrapyramidal symptoms secondary to antipsychotic use.

Common Side Effects

• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Constipation
• Urinary retention
• Confusion
• Memory impairment However, the provided evidence does not explicitly list the side effects of Benztropine, but it does mention its use in treating extrapyramidal symptoms secondary to antipsychotic use 1.

Clinical Considerations

In clinical practice, it is essential to weigh the benefits of using Benztropine against its potential side effects, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly or those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Mechanism of Action

Benztropine is an anticholinergic medication, and its side effects are consistent with this mechanism of action, which can lead to anticholinergic toxicity in severe cases.

Monitoring and Management

Regular monitoring of patients taking Benztropine is crucial to minimize the risk of side effects and ensure effective management of extrapyramidal symptoms.

From the FDA Drug Label

WARNINGS ... Paralytic ileus, hyperthermia and heat stroke, all of which have sometimes been fatal, have occurred in patients taking anticholinergic-type antiparkinsonism drugs, including benztropine mesylate, in combination with phenothiazines and/or tricyclic antidepressants. ... Anhidrosis may occur more readily when some disturbance of sweating already exists If there is evidence of anhidrosis, the possibility of hyperthermia should be considered. CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR MEDICAL ADVICE ABOUT SIDE EFFECTS.

The side effects of Benztropine include:

• Paralytic ileus
• Hyperthermia
• Heat stroke
• Anhidrosis 2 2

From the Research

Side Effects of Benztropine

The side effects of benztropine can be categorized into several areas, including:

• Anticholinergic effects:
  • Dry mouth 3
  • Blurred vision 3
  • Decreased salivary flow 3
• Cognitive impairment:
  • Impaired free recall 3
  • Impaired perception of time 3
  • Subjective perception of memory impairment 3
• Movement disorders:
  • Tardive dyskinesia 4, 5
  • Dyskinesia induced by withdrawal of benztropine 4
• Other effects:
  • Delirium 6
  • Anti-cholinergic manifestations 6

Severity of Side Effects

The severity of side effects can vary, with some cases being fatal 7. Benztropine toxicity can be fatal, and the forensic pathologist must consider the circumstances surrounding the death, the presence and significance of any co-existent natural disease, and the potential contribution of any other detected therapeutic or illicit agents 7.

Patterns of Use and Side Effects

Benztropine is often used for more than three months, and health care costs and resource utilization are high 5. The use of benztropine can lead to polypharmacy and multiple comorbidities, with more than 50% of patients having at least two comorbidities at baseline, and more than 59% having claims for more than 10 medications 5.