Benztropine is prescribed to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and movement problems caused by other medical conditions and medications. While benztropine does not directly treat Parkinson’s disease, it helps reduce involuntary movement (tremors), movement difficulty, and balance problems caused by the condition.

Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement. Symptoms develop slowly over time and vary from person to person. In the early stages of the disease, patients may experience the loss of facial expression, as well as changes in handwriting and speech. Later symptoms frequently include tremors, slowness of movement, limb stiffness, and balance problems.

In addition to its use as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease, benztropine may be prescribed to prevent severe reactions to phenothiazine medication (such as Thorazine or Compazine).

Benztropine has been shown to cause some side effects. If these adverse reactions do not go away within a few days, talk to your health care provider.

Common side effects caused by taking benztropine include:

• Dry mouth
  
• Difficulty urinating
  
• Nausea/ vomiting
  
• Constipation
  
• Changes in appetite
  

This is not a complete list of adverse effects – though these are the most common. Seek medical attention right away if you experience symptoms such as changes in heartbeat, rash, difficulty breathing, fever, hallucinations, confusion, or vision changes.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with, as well as any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with benztropine. Benztropine can interact with other forms of medication and substances, causing potentially serious side effects. In addition, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking benztropine, inform your health care provider immediately.

For adults, benztropine is administered as a 1-4 mg oral tablet to be taken once a day at bedtime. The exact dosage of the medication depends on the condition you are being treated for. This preliminary dosage may increase, depending on your needs and how well you tolerate the medication.

Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of benztropine without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

Benztropine is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not benztropine is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for benztropine to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.