Trihexyphenidyl for Parkinson's Disease

Overview
Trihexyphenidyl is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat motor symptoms in all forms of parkinsonism. Trihexyphenidyl is often prescribed to younger people with Parkinson’s disease. Trihexyphenidyl was formerly available under the brand name Artane.

Trihexyphenidyl is a member of a class of drugs called anticholinergics. Trihexyphenidyl is believed to work by influencing the balance of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters enable the transmission of messages between nerves.

How do I take it?
Your doctor may recommend that you receive a thorough eye exam from your ophthalmologist before you begin taking trihexyphenidyl.

Trihexyphenidyl may be taken orally as a tablet or liquid. Your dose will depend on which formulation of trihexyphenidyl you take. Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly when taking trihexyphenidyl.

Side effects
Common side effects of trihexyphenidyl include dizziness, blurred vision, dry mouth, nausea, constipation, difficulty urinating, and nervousness. Trihexyphenidyl may cause some symptoms of mental disorders to become more intense. Tell your doctor if these side effects become worse.

Inform your doctor immediately if you experience a fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat; fever; vomiting; weight loss; depression; extreme weakness; confusion; hallucinations; impulsive or psychotic behavior; vision changes or eye pain; or rashes while taking trihexyphenidyl.

Trihexyphenidyl is not suitable for use by people with tardive dyskinesia or narrow-angle glaucoma or those who have previously shown hypersensitivity to trihexyphenidyl. Trihexyphenidyl must be used with caution by people with mental disorders, arteriosclerosis, enlarged prostates, fast heart rate, liver or kidney disease, or problems with the heart, stomach, or blood pressure. Trihexyphenidyl may not be appropriate for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

For more information about this treatment, visit:

Trihexyphenidyl — MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682160.html