Obrand wrote:

> father (who has Parkinson's) has the option of taking this drug, but my
> mother would like me to find out about any side effects=20

Here's the patient report from a monograph on Artane; hope it helps.

What do trihexyphenidyl tablets or extended-release capsules do?
TRIHEXYPHENIDYL (Artane=AE) can help to improve the stiffness and movemen=
t=20
problems associated with Parkinson's disease. Trihexyphenidyl can also=20
help to prevent or control movement-related side effects of other=20
medicines. Generic trihexyphenidyl tablets are available, but not the=20
sustained-release capsules.

What should my doctor, dentist, or pharmacist know before I take=20
trihexyphenidyl?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
=95closed-angle glaucoma
=95difficulty passing urine
=95heart disease
=95high blood pressure
=95kidney disease
=95prostate trouble
=95stomach obstruction
=95an unusual or allergic reaction to trihexyphenidyl, other medicines,=20
foods, dyes, or preservatives
=95pregnant or trying to get pregnant
=95breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?
Take trihexyphenidyl tablets or capsules by mouth. Follow the directions=20
on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. If=20
you are taking the extended-release capsules, swallow them whole, do not=20
crush or chew. Take 30 to 60 minutes before meals, unless your doctor=20
tells you otherwise. You can take trihexyphenidyl with food if it upsets=20
your stomach. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your=20
medicine more often than directed. It may take several days to see the=20
full effect of trihexyphenidyl; do not stop taking except on your=20
doctor's advice.

Special precautions for use in children: This medicine is not for=20
children.

Elderly patients are more likely to get side effects and should be given=20
smaller doses.

What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for=20
your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.=20
If you are taking the extended-release capsules, leave at least 6 to 8=20
hours between doses.

What other medicines can interact with trihexyphenidyl?
=95alcohol
=95amantadine
=95antacids
=95levodopa
=95medicines for diarrhea
=95medicines for hay fever and other allergies
=95medicines for mental depression
=95medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
=95medicines for movement abnormalities as in Parkinson's disease, or for=
=20
gastrointestinal problems
=95medicines that help relieve anxiety or sleeping problems (such as=20
diazepam or temazepam)

Tell your doctor or pharmacist: about all other medicines you are=20
taking, including non-prescription medicines; if you are a frequent user=20
of drinks with caffeine or alcohol; if you smoke; or if you use illegal=20
drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before=20
stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking trihexyphenidyl?
Serious side effects with trihexyphenidyl include:
=95confusion, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not reall=
y=20
there)
=95fast, or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
=95loss of memory
=95pain or difficulty passing urine
=95skin rash
=95slurred speech
=95weakness or tiredness
Call your doctor as soon as you can if you get any of these side=20
effects.

Minor side effects with trihexyphenidyl include:
=95agitation, nervousness
=95blurred vision
=95constipation
=95dizziness, drowsiness
=95dry mouth
=95headache
=95nausea, vomiting
Let your doctor know about these side effects if they do not go away or=20
if they annoy you.

What do I need to watch for while I take trihexyphenidyl?
Visit your doctor for regular checks on your progress. Do not stop=20
taking this medicine abruptly. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce=20
the dose so that you do not get side effects or make your condition=20
worse. Your doctor may want you to have an eye exam from time to time.

You may get dizzy or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery,=20
or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how=20
trihexyphenidyl affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting=20
spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older=20
patient. Alcohol can make you more drowsy, avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and=20
drinking plenty of water will help.

Stay out of bright light and wear sunglasses if trihexyphenidyl makes=20
your eyes more sensitive to light.

Antacid or diarrhea medicine can stop trihexyphenidyl working. If you=20
want to take antacid or diarrhea medicine, leave an interval of at least=20
2 hours before or after you take trihexyphenidyl.

Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children=20
cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30=B0C (59 and 86=B0F). Throw aw=
ay=20
any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Best regards,
--=20
Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD
Editor-in-Chief,
"Spotlight on Food--nutrition news for people 60-plus"
Tel: 970-493-6532   Fax: 970-493-6538=20
http://www.fortnet.org/~fivstar
You may wish to contact:
Better Business Bureau of the Mountain States,
< [log in to unmask]>
for further information.