Artane Long term use

[Farooqji]

Anyone who is using this medicine for more that 2 years? What is the dose being taken

I have experimented with it and found very effective for slowness but it causes extreme dry eyes

Any bad side effects

[PixelPaul]

Several years ago my doctor suggested I try Artane (Trihexyphenidyl). After a bit of research I found that long term use led to cognitive decline for some users, so I decided against it. It's my understanding that it's a very old drug that's rarely prescribed for PD anymore.

[MarionP in reply to PixelPaul]

It's rarely prescribed because it makes manufacturers virtually nothing. So no special trips or consulting fees or fancy dinners for doctors, no trips to the Bahamas for the doctor and the doctor's best friend, when the drug reps come around.

[MarionP]

Well it depends what you want it for, It's actually an old standard and if it fits you, you could use it. I'm not sure I would use it for something chronic or long-term unless I had a good conversation with the provider about the potentials for long-term side effects, then you should do some research on your own but also talk with your doctor about long-term side effects.

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In the meantime thinking about long-term is putting the cart before the horse. You will find it can give you some anticholinergic side effects. But if it isn't your cup of tea, you won't have long-term side effects because you won't be on it long-term, if you are not compatible with the drug or it doesn't do what you need to do in any case, so I wouldn't put the cart before the horse. ...

. The fact is this med actually hits some of the exact receptors you need it to work on. Even though it is "old." But it is important to titrate up very gradually and carefully .

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Just ask your doctor "why should I take it"?" and " why should I not take it?" And "what about these rumors and what about with this other person said on my anonymous Parkinson's website?"

Ask " what are the real issues, in proper, realistic proportion," the " risks and benefits profile," and will this doctor work with you and be realistically available when you need him/her, if you need to have some adjustment or if I find that you don't like this medication. That's really all you have to do. And if he is Doctor happens to say something or the equivalent of "I can't be bothered" then I would find somebody else because you don't want that person in the first place.

[Farooqji in reply to MarionP]

Thanks for taking time and giving the detailed reply

[Astronomer90]

I used it for a few weeks for my hand tremors. It did help a bit with tremors. But I had terrible side effects such as dizziness, near vision issues, short term memory issues and very terrible dry mouth. Side effects were not worth the benefits so I stopped using it .

[Farooqji in reply to Astronomer90]

What dose were you on?

[Astronomer90]

Started with 1 mg and then increased to 2 mg twice a day.

[Farooqji in reply to Astronomer90]

it causes dry mouth and eyes, however I am on very low dose (1mg morning + 1 mg evening). Still it works for me very well

[RonB1 in reply to Farooqji]

Does it significantly reduce the tremor?

[rebtar]

I took it for a short time. My short term memory took such a hit that it was scary.

[Raimo]

I started with .25mgs twice a day, then three times a day. I had a mild tremor in my legs and torso, and a mild internal tremor, when originally prescribed. When I went to three times daily, the tremor vanished. That was over three years ago, and I still rarely notice the tremor. The doctor recently increased my Levodopa to four times daily and increased the Artane by the same to make it convenient. I started having some mild short-term memory problems and dropped back to three times daily on the Artane. This solved the memory problem. I've never had a problem with dry eyes or mouth at this dose. It does not seem to have any effect on bradykinesia or rigidity for me.

The scariest memory hit for me was from Ropinirole. By the third day, I couldn't count to ten without losing track. It was truly terrifying! I always give my wife a list of possible side effects to watch for (probably a good idea for everyone) from any new medication. It paid off in a big way that time. The main lesson is that we all react differently to medications and have no way of knowing without trying. There are plenty of folks out there taking one or both of these meds without any side effects.