Benztropine reduces the effects of certain chemicals in the body that may become unbalanced as a result of disease (such as Parkinson's), drug therapy, or other causes.

Benztropine is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as muscle spasms, stiffness, tremors, sweating, drooling, and poor muscle control.

Benztropine is also used to treat and prevent these symptoms when they are caused by drugs such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), perphenazine (Trilafon), and others.

Benztropine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to benztropine, or if you are also taking a medication called pramlintide (Symlin).

Before you take benztropine, tell if you have glaucoma, kidney or liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, a history of heart attack or stroke, a breathing disorder, a nerve or muscle disorder, seizures, urination problems, overactive thyroid, mental illness, or a stomach or intestinal disorder.

Avoid taking a diarrhea medication or antacid within 2 hours before or after you take benztropine. Also avoid taking ketoconazole (Nizoral) within 2 hours after you take benztropine.

Benztropine may cause blurred vision or impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Benztropine can decrease perspiration and you may be more prone to heat stroke.

Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to benztropine, or if you are also taking a medication called pramlintide (Symlin).

To make sure you can safely take benztropine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• glaucoma;

• heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, history of heart attack;

• high or low blood pressure;

• asthma, emphysema, or other breathing disorder;

• kidney or liver disease;

• a nerve disorder;

• a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis;

• seizures;

• enlarged prostate, urination problems;

• overactive thyroid;

• mental illness or dementia;

• stomach ulcer, reflux disease, hiatal hernia; or

• ulcerative colitis, history of bowel obstruction, or other intestinal disorder.

It is not known whether benztropine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether benztropine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Benztropine should not be given to a child younger than 3 years old.