Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Benztropine.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Benztropine may impair the mental or physical abilities required to do tasks such as operating machinery or driving a vehicle. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how you are affected by Benztropine.
Gastrointestinal problems: Benztropine can slow down the speed that material passes through the digestive system. If you have digestive system problems, such as slow movement through the digestive tract, or colitis, discuss with your doctor how Benztropine may affect the medical condition, how the medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Benztropine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Glaucoma: Benztropine may cause the symptoms of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) to become worse. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Benztropine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Benztropine, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Report any changes in vision to your doctor as soon as possible while you are taking Benztropine.
Heart problems: Benztropine can cause fast heartbeat and may worsen symptoms of heart disease. If you have heart disease such as Angina, Congestive Heart Failure, or arrhythmia, discuss with your doctor how Benztropine may affect the medical condition, how the medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Benztropine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Large doses: In large doses, benztropine may cause weakness and an inability to move certain muscle groups. For example, if the neck has been rigid and suddenly relaxes, it may feel weak, causing some concern. If this happens, report it to your doctor. Mental confusion and excitement may occur with large doses.
Mental health: Benztropine can cause symptoms of mental health conditions to become worse when it is taken to control certain side effects of medication used to treat mental health conditions. If you notice your symptoms of Schizophrenia or other mental health conditions are becoming worse, or notice them in a family member who is taking Benztropine, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Perspiration: Benztropine may impair some people's ability to sweat, which can lead to dangerous increases in body temperature. People who are most at risk include people who do manual labor or heavy exercise in a hot environment, seniors, and people with Alcoholism, certain conditions of the central nervous system, or chronic illnesses. The risk is also higher in hot weather.
Urinary problems: Benztropine may cause difficulty in starting urine flow or in completely emptying the bladder, or contribute to incontinence (urine leakage). If you have a history of urinary retention or benign prostatic hypertrophy, or other prostate problems, discuss with your doctor how Benztropine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Benztropine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: The safe use of Benztropine by pregnant women has not been established. If you become pregnant while taking Benztropine, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if benztropine passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Benztropine, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: Benztropine should not be taken by children under 3 years of age. Children over 3 years of age should be monitored by their doctor while taking Benztropine.
Seniors: Seniors may be more sensitive to the side effects of Benztropine and may need lower doses.
