Cogentin (Benztropine) Uses for Bipolar Disorder

Cogentin (Benztropine) Uses for Bipolar Disorder Bipolar Disorder Treatment Medications Print Cogentin (Benztropine) Uses for Bipolar Disorder By Marcia Purse Marcia Purse is a mental health writer and bipolar disorder advocate who brings strong research skills and personal experiences to her writing. Learn about our editorial policy Marcia Purse Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on December 03, 2019 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 20, 2020 Bipolar Disorder Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes Treatment Living With In Children Your Rights HeroImages/Getty Images In This Article Table of Contents Expand What Is Cogentin? Contraindications Common Side Effects   Less Common Side Effects   When to Contact Your Doctor Overdose Effects View All Medications often used to treat bipolar disorder, such as  typical  and  atypical  antipsychotic drugs, may cause drug-induced parkinsonism, the medical term for symptoms that mimic  Parkinsons disease.  ?? Drug-induced parkinsonism may cause:   A decrease in facial expressionsDifficulty starting and controlling movementSlowed movementSoft voiceStiffness of the trunk, arms, or legsTremor What Is Cogentin? Cogentin (benztropine) is used for treatment of Parkinsons disease and is in a class of drugs called anticholinergics. These drugs help rebalance irregular activity of acetylcholine neurotransmitters, which are crucial to brain and muscle function.?? Cogentin improves muscle control and has been shown to decrease rigidity and tremors associated with Parkinsons disease. Cogentin is also sometimes used to treat people with  bipolar disorder who have developed parkinsonism. ?? Cogentin comes in 0.5, 1, and 2 mg tablets to  be taken orally, usually at bedtime, and in some cases, an injection is provided. One dose per day will typically suffice to treat symptoms of parkinsonism.?? Your doctor may start you on a small dose to see how you respond.   Contraindications Cogentin may interact with certain drugs, including antidepressants, sleeping pills, painkillers, antihistamines,  anti-diarrheal medications, some antacids, and other medications.?? Its important that you speak with your doctor about any potential interactions.   Common Side Effects   The following are common side effects of ?Cogentin.?? You should check with your doctor if they dont go away or worsen: Blurred vision  Constipation  Decreased sweatingDifficult or painful urination (especially in older men)DrowsinessDryness of mouth, nose, or throat Less Common Side Effects   The following are less common side effects of Cogentin.  ?? Dizziness or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying down or sitting positionEuphoriaHeadacheMemory impairments (especially in the elderly)NervousnessStomach upset or painUnusual excitement When to Contact Your Doctor Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the above  rare side effects of Cogentin, as well as these below:?? ConfusionEye painSkin rashRapid heart rateHallucinations Overdose Effects If you or a loved one have potentially overdosed on Cogentin, call your local poison control center and/or 911 immediately. Symptoms of overdose include:?? Clumsiness or unsteadinessSevere drowsiness  Severe dryness of mouth, nose, or throatFast heartbeatHallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)Mood or mental changesSeizuresShortness of breath or troubled breathingTrouble sleepingWarmth, dryness, and flushing of the skin Other Cogentin side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients.?? If you notice any other side effects, be sure to check with your doctor.