According to Mayo Clinic, benztropine is used with other prescribed medications to treat Parkinson's disease. This medication reduces symptoms and allows more normal body movements. It can also be prescribed to reduce side effects of antipsychotic medications used to treat nervous, mental and emotional disorders. Additionally, this medication alters chemical signals in unrelated parts of the body, which may cause side effects in certain patients.
Upset Stomach
Benztropine may have an adverse effect on the digestive tract and cause upset stomach, states Drugs.com. This medication may cause nausea, vomiting, constipation and dry mouth in certain patients. A doctor may reduce the dosage to treat this symptom. If this is ineffective, he will likely prescribe a different medication to help reduce Parkinson's symptoms. Drugs.com further reports that withdrawing from benzotropine use may cause nausea and vomiting.
Tardive Dyskinesia
Although benztropine is prescribed to prevent or reduce tardive dyskinesia, or abnormal movements of the mouth and face, this medication may aggravate these symptoms, according to Drugs.com. Tardive dyskinesia is an irreversible side effect, thus a patient who begins to experience abnormal movements in her face should immediately let the doctor know.
Irregular Heartbeat
Drugs.com reports that benztropine may adversely affect the heart. This medication may cause an irregular or fast heartbeat. This occurs because benztropine may alter chemical signals in the heart that control heart rate. A fast heartbeat, or tachycardia, may cause dizziness, or lightheadedness. A doctor may reduce the dosage or prescribe a different medication to treat this side effect.
Urinary Retention
Benztropine may cause urinary retention, or overfilling of the bladder, states Drugs.com. This occurs because the ingredients in benztropine can alter the chemical signals in the urinary tract that control urination. Therefore, a reduction in urinary frequency and volume can occur. This side effect requires immediate treatment because it can result in damage to the urinary tract, increased risk of infection, patient discomfort and pain, states the Merck Manual. Therefore, a change in dosage or medication is necessary to reverse this side effect.
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