Artane

Artane

     * Generic Name: trihexyphenidyl
     * Brand Name: Artane


     * What is trihexyphenidyl (Artane, Trihexane)?
     * What are the possible side effects of trihexyphenidyl (Artane,
       Trihexane)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       trihexyphenidyl (Artane, Trihexane)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       trihexyphenidyl (Artane, Trihexane)?
     * How should I take trihexyphenidyl (Artane, Trihexane)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Artane, Trihexane)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Artane, Trihexane)?
     * What should I avoid while taking trihexyphenidyl (Artane,
       Trihexane)?
     * What other drugs will affect trihexyphenidyl (Artane,
       Trihexane)?
     * Where can I get more information (Artane, Trihexane)?

What is trihexyphenidyl (Artane, Trihexane)?

   Trihexyphenidyl alters unusual nerve impulses and relaxes stiff
   muscles.

   Trihexyphenidyl is used to treat the stiffness, tremors, spasms,
   and poor muscle control of Parkinson's disease. It is also used to
   treat and prevent the same muscular conditions when they are caused
   by drugs such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine
   (Prolixin), perphenazine (Trilafon), haloperidol
   (Haldol), thiothixene (Navane), and others.

   Trihexyphenidyl may also be used for purposes other than those listed
   in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of trihexyphenidyl (Artane, Trihexane)?

   If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop
   taking trihexyphenidyl and seek emergency medical attention or contact
   your doctor immediately:
     * an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
       swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
     * fever;
     * fast or irregular heartbeats;
     * anxiety, hallucinations, confusion, agitation,
       hyperactivity, or loss of consciousness;
     * seizures;
     * eye pain; or
     * a rash.

   Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue
   to take trihexyphenidyl and talk to your doctor if you experience
     * dryness of the mouth;
     * large pupils or blurred vision;
     * drowsiness or dizziness;
     * difficulty urinating or constipation;
     * nervousness or anxiety;
     * upset stomach; or
     * decreased sweating.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about trihexyphenidyl
(Artane, Trihexane)?

   Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other
   hazardous activities. Trihexyphenidyl may cause dizziness or blurred
   vision. If you experience dizziness or blurred vision, avoid these
   activities.

   Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness
   while taking trihexyphenidyl.

   Avoid becoming overheated. Trihexyphenidyl may cause decreased
   sweating. This could lead to heat stroke in hot weather or with
   vigorous exercise.

   Artane Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Parkinson's Disease:Symptoms, Stages and Treatment

   Parkinson's Disease Slideshow Pictures
   Dementia, Alzheimer's, and Aging Brains

   Dementia Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Parkinson's Quiz

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
trihexyphenidyl (Artane, Trihexane)?

   Do not use trihexyphenidyl without first talking to your doctor if you
   have
     * ever had an allergic reaction to it;
     * narrow-angle glaucoma;
     * an obstruction in the bowel or a complication of bowel disease
       known as megacolon; or
     * myasthenia gravis.

   Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
     * enlargement of the prostate or difficulty urinating;
     * epilepsy or another seizure disorder;
     * heart disease or an irregular heartbeat;
     * depression or any other psychiatric illness;
     * kidney disease; or
     * liver disease.

   You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during
   treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

   It is not known whether trihexyphenidyl will be harmful to an unborn
   baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor
   if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

   It is not known whether trihexyphenidyl passes into breast milk. Do not
   take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are
   breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take trihexyphenidyl (Artane, Trihexane)?

   Take trihexyphenidyl exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not
   understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to
   explain them to you.

   Take each dose with a full glass of water.

   Trihexyphenidyl may be taken with or without meals. Taking
   trihexyphenidyl with food may lessen stomach upset.

   To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of
   trihexyphenidyl with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a
   regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask
   your pharmacist where you can get one.

   Store trihexyphenidyl at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

   Artane Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Parkinson's Disease:Symptoms, Stages and Treatment

   Parkinson's Disease Slideshow Pictures
   Dementia, Alzheimer's, and Aging Brains

   Dementia Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Parkinson's Quiz

What happens if I miss a dose (Artane, Trihexane)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost
   time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next
   regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose (Artane, Trihexane)?

   Seek emergency medical attention.

   Symptoms of a trihexyphenidyl overdose include large pupils; warm, dry
   skin; flushed face; fever; dry mouth; fast or irregular heartbeat;
   anxiety; hallucinations; confusion; agitation; hyperactivity; loss of
   consciousness; and seizures.

What should I avoid while taking trihexyphenidyl (Artane, Trihexane)?

   Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other
   hazardous activities. Trihexyphenidyl may cause dizziness or blurred
   vision. If you experience dizziness or blurred vision, avoid these
   activities.

   Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness
   while taking trihexyphenidyl.

   Avoid becoming overheated. Trihexyphenidyl may cause decreased
   sweating. This could lead to heat stroke in hot weather or with
   vigorous exercise. Try to keep as cool as possible and watch for signs
   of heat stroke such as decreased sweating, nausea, and dizziness.

What other drugs will affect trihexyphenidyl (Artane, Trihexane)?

   Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any
   of the following medicines:
     * a tricyclic antidepressant (used to treat depression, pain, or
       obsessive-compulsive disorder) such as amitriptyline
       (Elavil, Endep), doxepin (Sinequan),
       clomipramine (Anafranil), amoxapine (Asendin),
       desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil),
       nortriptyline (Pamelor), or protriptyline (Vivactil);
     * a phenothiazine (used to treat mania, schizophrenia,
       other psychiatric conditions, and nausea and vomiting) such as
       chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), perphenazine
       (Trilafon), mesoridazine (Serentil), thioridazine
       (Mellaril), promazine (Sparine), trifluoperazine
       (Stelazine), and others;
     * thiothixene (Navane) or chlorprothixene (Taractan);
     * an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl,
       others), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, others),
       triprolidine (Actifed, others), brompheniramine (Dimetapp, others),
       clemastine (Tavist), and others (antihistamines are often
       found in prescription and over-the-counter cold, allergy, and
       sleep medicines);
     * quinidine (Quinora, Quinaglute, Quinidex, Cardioquin);
     * amantadine (Symmetrel);
     * digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps); or
     * haloperidol (Haldol).

   You may not be able to take trihexyphenidyl or you may require a dosage
   adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines
   listed above.

   Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with
   trihexyphenidyl. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any
   prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information (Artane, Trihexane)?

   Your pharmacist has more information about trihexyphenidyl written for
   health professionals that you may read.
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