Benztropine and Muscle Spasms: What Users Say

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 26, 2021

For Extrapyramidal Reaction "I've used this medication, benztropine, for two different occasions of extrapyramidal reaction (EPRs). One was involving Geodon, which was horrific and caused acute cervical dystonia (neck spasms involving horrible cramping and locking up of the muscles where I couldn't move), and the other was involving Abilify, which was minor and involved restless legs (akathisia). Cogentin worked well in helping the dystonia from Geodon, but it did not stop the akathisia from Abilify."

• Sun...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 1, 2021

For Extrapyramidal Reaction "Been taking this med, benztropine, at 1 mg for about three years for EPS - started when I got restless on Abilify, kept it when I switched to Latuda and Prolixin. Honestly, it has been a lifesaver for extrapyramidal movements. I also have tardive dyskinesia, which I feel is also helped by the benztropine. No more jutting tongue, spasms, or restlessness. I’m able to take all my meds as directed with this little pill."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 5, 2022

For Extrapyramidal Reaction "I have been having random, all-over muscle spasms for 11 days now, since upping my dosage of Latuda for a manic episode of bipolar disorder from 20 mg to 40 mg. My psychiatrist doesn't think this is extrapyramidal syndrome, but obviously, it is. I don't think I randomly developed MS. Anyway, the pain from constant muscle spasms was unbearable, and Cogentin helped lessen my pain immediately. I have been having this awful tightness in a thick band around my ribcage, keeping me from taking a deep breath, and this fades as soon as I take the pill. Muscle cramps are still there, but much less severe. More like an annoyance than debilitating pain. 8/10 because my dry mouth is so bad I got oral thrush, and combined with baclofen (muscle relaxant), I am so incredibly tired and weak, everything is so heavy I can't lift a mug of tea to my lips, or walk properly without enormous effort. Stairs seem near impossible. But, overall positive experience for help with terrible muscle spasms side effect."