Trihexyphenidyl
About
Trihexyphenidyl belongs to a group of medicines called anti-spasmodic agents used as an adjunct to treat Parkinson’s disease and extrapyramidal symptoms (drug-induced movement disorders). Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder in which the first signs are problems with movements.
Trihexyphenidyl contains ‘Trihexyphenidyl’ which works by relaxing the muscles and nerve impulses that control muscle functioning. Besides this, Trihexyphenidyl also balances chemical messengers called neurotransmitters in the brain; thereby improving muscle control and reducing stiffness, thereby helps the muscles move naturally.
In some cases, you may experience common side-effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, constipation, weakness, headache, dry mouth, decreased urination, drowsiness, and feeling nervous or restless. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if the side-effects persist or worsen.
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Trihexyphenidyl may cause drowsiness and dizziness, do not drive unless you are alert. Trihexyphenidyl should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Trihexyphenidyl as it could lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness. Keep your doctor informed about your medicines and health condition to rule out any side-effects.
Uses of Trihexyphenidyl
Medicinal Benefits
Trihexyphenidyl belongs to a group of medicines called anti-spasmodic agents. Trihexyphenidyl is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and extrapyramidal symptoms (drug-induced movement disorders). Trihexyphenidyl exerts a direct inhibitory effect upon the parasympathetic nervous system. It works by relaxing the muscles and nerve impulses that control muscle functioning. Trihexyphenidyl improves muscle control and reduces stiffness, thereby helps the muscles move naturally. Trihexyphenidyl is used as an adjuvant therapy along with levodopa to treat Parkinson's disease. Additionally, Trihexyphenidyl is used to control drug-induced movement disorders caused by CNS drugs such as dibenzoxazepines, thioxanthenes, phenothiazines, and butyrophenones.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Trihexyphenidyl
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Weakness
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Decreased urination
- Drowsiness
- Feeling nervous or restless
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Trihexyphenidyl if you are allergic to any of its contents or if you have narrow-angle glaucoma. Do not discontinue Trihexyphenidyl on your own. Inform your doctor if you have glaucoma, prostate problems, urination problems, stomach ulcers, acidity, myasthenia gravis (muscle problems), tardive dyskinesia (involuntary facial movements), alcoholism, high blood pressure, heart, liver or kidney problems. Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience hallucinations. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Trihexyphenidyl may cause drowsiness and dizziness, do not drive unless you are alert. Trihexyphenidyl should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Trihexyphenidyl as it could lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Trihexyphenidyl may have interaction with antipsychotic (aripiprazole, lurasidone, olanzapine, risperidone, quetiapine, trifluoperazine), MAO inhibitor (rasagiline), antihistamine (diphenhydramine), anti-cholinergic (benztropine), anti-convulsant (clonazepam, lamotrigine, pregabalin), anti-depressants (escitalopram, duloxetine) anti-anxiety (alprazolam), and mild pain killers/fever-reducing agent (acetaminophen).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats), autonomic neuropathy (nerve damage), gastrointestinal obstruction, glaucoma, urinary obstruction, infectious diarrhoea, tardive dyskinesia (involuntary facial movements), psychoses, high blood pressure, or fever.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Trihexyphenidyl as it may cause increased dizziness and drowsiness.
Pregnancy
cautionTrihexyphenidyl belongs to pregnancy category C. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether Trihexyphenidyl passes into breastmilk. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
unsafeTrihexyphenidyl may cause dizziness, drowsiness and blurred vision. Avoid driving and handling machinery if you experience these symptoms.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeTrihexyphenidyl is not recommended for use in children, as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
- Include a diet rich in iron, folate and magnesium.
- Regularly attend therapy sessions.
- Perform meditation and yoga.
- Follow a regular sleep pattern.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Learn about your condition, understand the risk factors and follow the doctor’s treatment plan.
Special Advise
- Take Trihexyphenidyl at least 2 hours after taking ketoconazole and antidiarrheal medicines as it may prevent the full absorption of trihexyphenidyl. Besides this, Trihexyphenidyl may prevent the complete absorption of antifungal agents like ketoconazole when these medicines are taken together.
- Trihexyphenidyl can cause decreased sweating, resulting in a rise in body temperature (hyperthermia). This profound side effect is more significant in hot weather, so it is advisable to drink plenty of water, especially in summer. However, kidney patients should consult a doctor before consuming any fluid.
- Take special care with your dental hygiene while using Trihexyphenidyl (like brushing, and flossing) and have regular dental check-ups.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Parkinson’s disease: It is a progressive neurological disorder in which the first signs are problems with movements. Dopamine is a naturally-occurring neurotransmitter in the brain which is reduced or absent in people with Parkinson’s disease. Due to this, problems arise with smooth and coordinated movements. Symptoms include decreased ability to smell, stooped posture, changes in voice, constipation, small/ cramped handwriting, tremor, slow movements, stiffness of arms, legs, trunk, and balance problems.
FAQs
Trihexyphenidyl works by relaxing the muscles and nerve impulses that control muscle functioning. It improves muscle control and reduces the stiffness, thereby helps the muscles move naturally.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Trihexyphenidyl. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly, and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might help in stimulating saliva and thereby prevents drying of the mouth.
Trihexyphenidyl should be used with caution during hot weather as it may increase the chance of having a heat stroke. Inform your doctor if you have heat intolerance or fever.
Antidepressants should be avoided while taking Trihexyphenidyl as it might increase sedative effects. Consult your doctor before taking Trihexyphenidyl if you are using depressants.
Hallucination is a medical condition in which the person may feel, hear or believe things that are not true, see things that are not there, or feel unusually suspicious or confused. Trihexyphenidyl may cause hallucinations in some cases if taken for a prolonged time. So, if you experience hallucinations while taking Trihexyphenidyl, please talk to your doctor immediately.
Constipation may occur as a side-effect of Trihexyphenidyl. Try eating foods that encourage a bowel movement. Consult your doctor if you experience excessive constipation.
Consult your doctor before taking Trihexyphenidyl if you have glaucoma. Trihexyphenidyl is contraindicated in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma. Trihexyphenidyl may cause blindness on long-term use in case of patients with narrow-angle glaucoma.
