What to Know About Cogentin (Benztropine)

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesBefore TakingDosageSide EffectsPrecautions / ContraindicationsWarnings / Interactions

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Uses

Before Taking

Dosage

Side Effects

Precautions / Contraindications

Warnings / Interactions

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Cogentin (benztropine) is ananticholinergicdrug used for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. It is also sometimes prescribed to people withbipolar disorderwho’ve developed parkinsonism, a condition that involves movement-related issues, stiffness, and tremors similar to those experienced with Parkinson’s.

If you’ve been prescribed this medication, it can be helpful to know more about it. This includes understanding Cogentin’s side effects, warnings, contraindications, and potential drug interactions.

The Most Important Things to Know About Cogentin (Benztropine)Cogentin can interact with other drugs you may be taking, including antidepressants and sleep medications.Serious side effects such as confusion, rapid heart rate, and hallucinations can occur with Cogentin, requiring immediate medical treatment.It is possible to overdose on this drug.

The Most Important Things to Know About Cogentin (Benztropine)

Cogentin can interact with other drugs you may be taking, including antidepressants and sleep medications.Serious side effects such as confusion, rapid heart rate, and hallucinations can occur with Cogentin, requiring immediate medical treatment.It is possible to overdose on this drug.

Uses for Cogentin

Parkinsonism in bipolar disorder is usually a side effect ofantipsychotic medications. This is referred to as drug-induced parkinsonism. Although, it can also be a sign of Parkinson’s disease or a co-occurring disease involving reduced blood flow to the brain (cerebrovascular disease).

Drug-induced parkinsonism may cause:

Anticholinergics such as Cogentin help rebalance irregular activity of acetylcholine neurotransmitters, which are crucial to brain and muscle function.This can improve muscle control while decreasing rigidity and tremors.

Recap

Before Taking Cogentin

In addition to Cogentin, Artane (trihexyphenidyl) may also be prescribed to treat parkinsonism. Artane is available in tablet and liquid elixir forms.Be sure to tell your provider if you are currently taking otheranticholinergic medicationsbefore taking this drug.

Dosage of Cogentin

Cogentin used to come in tablet form, but this formulation of the drug has been discontinued—although not for reasons related to its safety or effectiveness.It is still available as an injection, with other generic benztropine options that may also exist.

If you miss a dose of Cogentin, take it when you remember. If it’s close to the time for your next dose, don’t take the missed dose. Instead, take the next dose at the regular time, then resume your normal schedule.

Overdose

It is possible to overdose on benztropine.Symptoms of overdoserange from feelings of excitement to coma, and can include:

If you or a loved one has potentially overdosed on Cogentin, call your local poison control center and/or911immediately.911

If you or a loved one has potentially overdosed on Cogentin, call your local poison control center and/or911immediately.

911

How to Take and Store

Cogentin is typically delivered via injection into the muscle. In emergency situations, it can also be administered intravenously or in IV form so it is faster-acting. Storing it at room temperature, or between 68 and 77 degrees, is recommended.

Cogentin may cause sleepiness or dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you determine how this medication will affect you.

Side Effects of Cogentin

Some people experience side effects when taking Cogentin. Certain adverse effects are more common than others, and some can be severe.

Common Side Effects

The most common side effects when taking benztropine are:

Talk to your healthcare provider if these effects are bothersome or persist over time. Changing the dose may help, or they may switch you to a different medication.

Severe Side Effects

Some benztropine side effects can be serious, including:

If you experience any of these serious side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Precautions and Contraindications for Cogentin

Individuals who tend to get an increased heart rate (tachycardia) or have an enlarged prostate (prostatic hypertrophy) should be monitored closely when taking Cogentin. This medication should also be used with caution in children over the age of three and adults aged 65 or older.

It’s unknown whether Cogentin is safe to use during pregnancy. So, let your healthcare provider know if you are pregnant and they want to prescribe this drug.

Warnings and Interactions With Cogentin

Cogentin can lead to serious health issues as well as drug interactions. This includes:

Allergic Reaction

Allergic reactions may be mild or serious. Mild reactions include skin rashes that may go away if the dosage is decreased. Severe reactions can include swelling of the face and throat, trouble breathing, and hives. If you have a reaction, call your healthcare provider.

Seek emergency services if your allergic reaction is severe.

Heat Stroke

Cogentin can interfere with the body’s ability to sweat. This can increase your risk for heat stroke, particularly when taking other drugs with anticholinergic effects, when it is very hot outside, or when engaged in strenuous exercise.Staying well-hydrated and avoiding excessive sun exposure may help.

Mental Health Effects

This medication may lead to symptoms of confusion, excitement, or hallucinations. These risks tend to be more serious in older adults.They can also be serious for people who are taking larger doses of Cogentin or with a history ofmental health conditions.

Muscle Weakness

In large doses, this medication can result in mental confusion, excitement, or the weakness of or inability to move certain muscle groups. If you experience any of these effects, talk to your healthcare provider about lowering your dose.

Interactions

Cogentin may interact with certain drugs, such as antipsychotic drugs andtricyclic antidepressants. In some cases, these interactions have been fatal. Therefore, it’s important that you tell your physician about any other medications you are taking.

Also tell your provider about any supplements, herbs, or vitamins that you take. Any of these can potentially interact with this medication or might change the way the drug works in your body. Whenmixed with alcohol, Cogentin can increase your feelings of drowsiness.

While some drugs pose minor interaction risks, others may outright contraindicate use or prompt careful consideration as to whether the pros of treatment outweigh the cons in your case.

8 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ward KM, Citrome L.Antipsychotic-related movement disorders: Drug-induced Parkinsonism vs. tardive dyskinesia—key differences in pathophysiology and clinical management.Neurol Ther. 2018;7(2):233–248. doi:10.1007/s40120-018-0105-0Dols A, Lemstra AW.Parkinsonism and bipolar disorder.Bipolar Disord. 2020;22(4):413-415. doi:10.1111/bdi.12888Stoker T, Greenland J.Parkinson’s Disease: Pathogenesis and Clinical Aspects.National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus.Trihexyphenidyl.Federal Register.Determination that benztropine mesylate tablets and nine other drug products were not withdrawn from sale for reasons of safety or effectiveness.National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus.Benztropine.de Leon J.Practical guidelines for the use of medications with anticholinergic activity and benztropine in adult individuals with intellectual disabilities.Medicine.Kouladjian O’Donnell L, Gnjidic D, Nahas R, Bell JS, Hilmer SN.Anticholinergic burden: considerations for older adults.J Pharm Pract Res. 2016;47(1):67-77. doi:10.1002/jppr.1303Additional ReadingU.S. Food and Drug Administration.Cogentin (benztropine mesylate injection) label.

8 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ward KM, Citrome L.Antipsychotic-related movement disorders: Drug-induced Parkinsonism vs. tardive dyskinesia—key differences in pathophysiology and clinical management.Neurol Ther. 2018;7(2):233–248. doi:10.1007/s40120-018-0105-0Dols A, Lemstra AW.Parkinsonism and bipolar disorder.Bipolar Disord. 2020;22(4):413-415. doi:10.1111/bdi.12888Stoker T, Greenland J.Parkinson’s Disease: Pathogenesis and Clinical Aspects.National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus.Trihexyphenidyl.Federal Register.Determination that benztropine mesylate tablets and nine other drug products were not withdrawn from sale for reasons of safety or effectiveness.National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus.Benztropine.de Leon J.Practical guidelines for the use of medications with anticholinergic activity and benztropine in adult individuals with intellectual disabilities.Medicine.Kouladjian O’Donnell L, Gnjidic D, Nahas R, Bell JS, Hilmer SN.Anticholinergic burden: considerations for older adults.J Pharm Pract Res. 2016;47(1):67-77. doi:10.1002/jppr.1303Additional ReadingU.S. Food and Drug Administration.Cogentin (benztropine mesylate injection) label.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Ward KM, Citrome L.Antipsychotic-related movement disorders: Drug-induced Parkinsonism vs. tardive dyskinesia—key differences in pathophysiology and clinical management.Neurol Ther. 2018;7(2):233–248. doi:10.1007/s40120-018-0105-0Dols A, Lemstra AW.Parkinsonism and bipolar disorder.Bipolar Disord. 2020;22(4):413-415. doi:10.1111/bdi.12888Stoker T, Greenland J.Parkinson’s Disease: Pathogenesis and Clinical Aspects.National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus.Trihexyphenidyl.Federal Register.Determination that benztropine mesylate tablets and nine other drug products were not withdrawn from sale for reasons of safety or effectiveness.National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus.Benztropine.de Leon J.Practical guidelines for the use of medications with anticholinergic activity and benztropine in adult individuals with intellectual disabilities.Medicine.Kouladjian O’Donnell L, Gnjidic D, Nahas R, Bell JS, Hilmer SN.Anticholinergic burden: considerations for older adults.J Pharm Pract Res. 2016;47(1):67-77. doi:10.1002/jppr.1303

Ward KM, Citrome L.Antipsychotic-related movement disorders: Drug-induced Parkinsonism vs. tardive dyskinesia—key differences in pathophysiology and clinical management.Neurol Ther. 2018;7(2):233–248. doi:10.1007/s40120-018-0105-0

Dols A, Lemstra AW.Parkinsonism and bipolar disorder.Bipolar Disord. 2020;22(4):413-415. doi:10.1111/bdi.12888

Stoker T, Greenland J.Parkinson’s Disease: Pathogenesis and Clinical Aspects.

National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus.Trihexyphenidyl.

Federal Register.Determination that benztropine mesylate tablets and nine other drug products were not withdrawn from sale for reasons of safety or effectiveness.

National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus.Benztropine.

de Leon J.Practical guidelines for the use of medications with anticholinergic activity and benztropine in adult individuals with intellectual disabilities.Medicine.

Kouladjian O’Donnell L, Gnjidic D, Nahas R, Bell JS, Hilmer SN.Anticholinergic burden: considerations for older adults.J Pharm Pract Res. 2016;47(1):67-77. doi:10.1002/jppr.1303

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Cogentin (benztropine mesylate injection) label.

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