Artane

Artane (Trihexyphenidyl) alters unusual nerve impulses and relaxes stiff muscles.

Artane (Trihexyphenidyl) is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease or involuntary movements due to the side effects of certain psychiatric drugs (antipsychotics such as chlorpromazine/haloperidol). Artane (Trihexyphenidyl) belongs to a class of medication called anticholinergics that work by blocking a certain natural substance (acetylcholine). This helps decrease muscle stiffness, sweating, and the production of saliva, and helps improve walking ability in people with Parkinson's disease.
Anticholinergics can stop severe muscle spasms of the back, neck, and eyes that are sometimes caused by psychiatric drugs. It can also decrease other side effects such as muscle stiffness/rigidity (extrapyramidal signs-EPS). It is not helpful in treating movement problems caused by tardive dyskinesia and may worsen them.

Important information
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Artane (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. Artane (Trihexyphenidyl) may cause decreased sweating. This could lead to heat stroke in hot weather or with vigorous exercise.

Side effects:

• dryness of the mouth;
• large pupils or blurred vision;
• drowsiness or dizziness;
• difficulty urinating or constipation;
• nervousness or anxiety;
• upset stomach; or
• decreased sweating.