Benztropine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 2, 2023.

Applies to benztropine: oral tablet.

Other dosage forms:

• injection solution

Precautions

It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to allow changes in your dose and to check for any unwanted effects.

Benztropine may cause dizziness, trouble in controlling movements, or trouble in thinking or seeing clearly. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do other jobs that require you to be alert, well-coordinated, or able to think or see well.

Do not Stop taking benztropine without first checking with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are using before stopping completely.

This medicine may make you sweat less, causing your body temperature to increase. Use extra care to avoid becoming overheated during exercise or hot weather while you are taking this medicine, since overheating may result in heat stroke.

This medicine may cause muscle weakness. If you have concerns about this, check with your doctor.

If you develop any unusual or strange thoughts and behavior while receiving benztropine, be sure to discuss it with your doctor. Some changes that have occurred in people receiving this medicine are like those seen in people who drink too much alcohol. Other changes might be confusion, worsening of depression, visual hallucinations (seeing things that are not there), suicidal thoughts, and unusual excitement, nervousness, or irritability.

This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that make you drowsy or less alert). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; prescription pain medicine or narcotics; barbiturates; medicine for seizures; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your medical doctor or dentist before taking any of the above while you are taking this medicine.

Serious side effects of benztropine

Along with its needed effects, benztropine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking benztropine:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking benztropine:

Symptoms of overdose

• blindness
• blurred vision
• change in consciousness
• cold clammy skin
• decreased vision
• dizziness
• eye pain
• holding false beliefs that cannot be changed by fact
• lightheadedness
• loss of consciousness
• muscle weakness
• nausea or vomiting
• no breathing
• nosebleeds
• numbness or tingling in the face, arms, or legs
• shakiness and unsteady walk
• sweating
• tearing
• unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
• unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness
• vision problems
• wheezing

Other side effects of benztropine

Some side effects of benztropine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to benztropine: compounding powder, injectable solution, oral tablet.

General adverse events

Adverse reactions are anticholinergic in nature and include dry mouth, constipation, tachycardia, and blurred vision.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Numbness of fingers^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Toxic psychosis, including confusion, disorientation, memory impairment, visual hallucinations, exacerbation of preexisting psychotic symptoms, nervousness, depression^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Constipation, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, paralytic ileus^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Blurred vision, dilated pupils^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Tachycardia^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Urinary retention, dysuria^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Allergic reaction^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Heatstroke, hyperthermia, fever^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Skin rash^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Benztropine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer