Trihexyphenidyl
Trihexyphenidyl (try heks ee FEN i dill) is a generic medication prescribed for parkinsonism and for certain movement-related side effects caused by certain medications. Trihexyphenidyl belongs to a group of drugs called anticholinergics.
Trihexyphenidyl (try heks ee FEN i dill) is a generic medication prescribed for parkinsonism and for certain movement-related side effects caused by certain medications. Trihexyphenidyl belongs to a group of drugs called anticholinergics.
- Generic
- • Tablet
- • 2mg
- • 60 Tablets
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Julz Richterman, PharmD, MBA, BCGP
Medically reviewed by Victor Nguyen, PharmD, MBA
Updated on September 22, 2023
Trihexyphenidyl (try heks ee FEN i dill) is a generic medication prescribed for parkinsonism and for certain movement-related side effects caused by certain medications. Trihexyphenidyl belongs to a group of drugs called anticholinergics.
FAQ
Common questions about trihexyphenidyl
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about trihexyphenidyl.
What brand names are available for trihexyphenidyl?
Artane is the brand name for trihexyphenidyl, but it’s no longer available. If your doctor prescribes Artane, your pharmacy will automatically change it to trihexyphenidyl, the generic version.
A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generic drugs are believed to be as effective and safe as brand-name drugs. And generic drugs typically cost less compared to brand-name drugs.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about the differences between brand-name and generic medications.
Does trihexyphenidyl cause long-term side effects?
Yes, in some cases trihexyphenidyl may cause long-term side effects. These can occur if you take the drug for a long time.
Examples of long-term side effects of trihexyphenidyl include:
- angle-closure glaucoma (sudden increase in eye pressure)
- tardive dyskinesia (unintended muscle movements, usually of the face)
Talk with your doctor to learn more about long-term side effects and how to best manage them. Ask your doctor for more information about how long this side effect of trihexyphenidyl may last.
How does trihexyphenidyl work? And how long does it take to start working?
Trihexyphenidyl belongs to a group of drugs called anticholinergics. It works in your nervous system and blocks a substance called acetylcholine (ACh). ACh is a chemical messenger in your body that plays an important role in your brain, organs, and muscles.
In certain conditions, such as parkinsonism, there’s too much ACh, which causes symptoms. By blocking ACh, trihexyphenidyl can:
- relax your muscles to lessen stiffness
- decrease muscle spasms and tremors
- improve your muscle management for better balance and walking
Trihexyphenidyl starts working about an hour after taking it.
If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Side effects
Side effects of trihexyphenidyl
Trihexyphenidyl may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of trihexyphenidyl and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about trihexyphenidyl’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for trihexyphenidyl listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with some forms of trihexyphenidyl are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of trihexyphenidyl you take.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about trihexyphenidyl’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for trihexyphenidyl listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Trihexyphenidyl oral tablet and solution’s mild side effects include:
- dry mouth
- blurred vision
- dizziness
- nervousness
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for trihexyphenidyl” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of trihexyphenidyl are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of trihexyphenidyl you take.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about trihexyphenidyl’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for trihexyphenidyl listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, trihexyphenidyl’s serious side effects include:
- hallucinations or paranoia
- urinary or intestinal problems, including blockage
- heat stroke
- angle-closure glaucoma (sudden increase in eye pressure)
- tardive dyskinesia (unintended muscle movements, usually of the face)
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for trihexyphenidyl” section.
Uses
Uses of trihexyphenidyl
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as trihexyphenidyl for certain conditions. Approved uses for trihexyphenidyl are described below.
Use for parkinsonism
Doctors may prescribe trihexyphenidyl oral tablet or liquid oral solution for relieving symptoms of all forms of parkinsonism. It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
Parkinsonism is a group of brain conditions that make moving difficult. With these conditions, there’s an imbalance between two chemical messengers, acetylcholine (ACh) and dopamine. Typically, with parkinsonism there’s lower levels of dopamine, which leads to higher levels of ACh. This causes symptoms such as:
- tremors (involuntary and repetitive movement of a part of your body)
- rigidity (stiff muscles)
- slowed movement
- difficulty with walking or balance
Trihexyphenidyl is prescribed together with other antiparkinsonism drugs, such as levodopa. It only relieves the symptoms of parkinsonism. It will not cure your condition.
Use for extrapyramidal disorder
Doctors may prescribe trihexyphenidyl oral tablet or liquid oral solution for managing extrapyramidal disorders caused by certain medications. It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
Extrapyramidal disorders are also known as drug-induced movement disorders. Your extrapyramidal system is in your brain. It uses a chemical messenger called dopamine to help regulate movement.
When a medication blocks dopamine, ACh, another chemical messenger, increases. This imbalance between the two chemical messengers causes extrapyramidal symptoms, including:
- tremors
- involuntary and repetitive twitching or blinking
- rigidity
- slowed movement
- a constant desire to move
Depending on your type of symptoms, trihexyphenidyl may be prescribed together with other medications that may help ease your symptoms.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for trihexyphenidyl
Below you’ll find information about trihexyphenidyl’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of trihexyphenidyl
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take trihexyphenidyl, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for trihexyphenidyl” section below.
Warnings for trihexyphenidyl
Some people should not take trihexyphenidyl, and others should take it cautiously.
Trihexyphenidyl could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether trihexyphenidyl is a safe option for you.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for trihexyphenidyl, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Trihexyphenidyl can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to trihexyphenidyl or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe trihexyphenidyl. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) has also been reported* with stopping or lowering the dose of trihexyphenidyl. NMS is a severe reaction to certain drugs, which can be fatal. Seek immediate medical help if you experience the following symptoms:
- high fever
- muscle stiffness
- confusion
- fast heartbeat
- difficulty breathing
- sweating
If you have an allergic reaction to trihexyphenidyl, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
* For details about trihexyphenidyl studies, see its prescribing information listed in the “Resources” section.
Overdose of trihexyphenidyl
If you take trihexyphenidyl by mouth you should not take more trihexyphenidyl than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much trihexyphenidyl, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and trihexyphenidyl
Information about trihexyphenidyl and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Trihexyphenidyl and pregnancy
It’s not known whether trihexyphenidyl should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Trihexyphenidyl and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether trihexyphenidyl should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about trihexyphenidyl or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- What should I do if I miss a dose of trihexyphenidyl?
- What might happen if I suddenly stop taking trihexyphenidyl?
- Should I take trihexyphenidyl before or after a meal?
- Do the doses of any of my other medications need to be changed before taking trihexyphenidyl?
Resources
Resources
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- Trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride solution. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/1e98bd29-c339-4ede-841a-1b2834aaf48b/spl-doc
- Trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride tablet. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/c25ea809-5bdf-4917-97f1-610059fbd0b7/spl-doc
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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