Artane (Trihexyphenidyl)

Artane alters unusual nerve impulses and relaxes stiff muscles.

Artane is used to treat the stiffness, tremors, spasms, and poor muscle control of Parkinson's disease. It is also used to treat and prevent the same muscular conditions when they are caused by drugs such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), perphenazine (Trilafon), haloperidol (Haldol), thiothixene (Navane), and others.

Do not use Artane if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Artane.

• Artane may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Artane with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Artane may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• Do not become overheated in hot weather or while you are being active; heatstroke may occur.
• Lab tests, including eye exams, may be performed while you use Artane. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Artane while you are pregnant. It is not known if Artane is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Artane, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• blurred vision; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; increased sensitivity of the eyes to light; lightheadedness; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness; trembling of the hands; vomiting; weakness.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); agitation; chest pain; confusion; delusions; difficult swallowing; difficult urination; facial pain or swelling; fast or pounding heartbeat; fever or chills; hallucinations; mood or mental changes; severe constipation; swollen throat glands; uncontrolled movements.

Artane is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.