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You wrote: > >Hi! > >Just wondering if anybody out there knows anything about this drug. My >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 or how effective >it is? > >Thanks > Artane is an old drug which was used extensively in the treatment of PD before the advent of L-DOPA. It helps mostly tremor and it is an "anticholinergic", which has, as side-effects, dry mouth, occasionally constipation and blurriness of vision; and, for older men with prostate problems, can occasionally cause urinary retention. The latter effects are rare but can happen. These types of drugs (including Cogentin, which is another such) can be helpful in patients with mainly tremor and who have "escaped" the effects of L-DOPA, but they are no longer used as primary treatment in PD. Best, Bob -- ******************************************************** Robert A. Fink, M. D., F.A.C.S. Phone: 510-849-2555 Neurological Surgery FAX: 510-849-2557 2500 Milvia Street Suite 222 Berkeley, California 94704-2636 USA E-Mail: [log in to unmask] World Wide Web: <http://www.dovecom.com/rafink/> CompuServe: 72303,3442 America Online: BobFink "Ex Tristitia Virtus" ********************************************************