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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.