Has anyone had experience of Atropine Eye ... - PSP Association
Has anyone had experience of Atropine Eye Drops? I understand these can also be given for drying up excess saliva.
Yes - we have had experience using atrophine for excess saliva. We had used it intermittenly (it wasn't a long term solution) but then turned to Scopolamine patches - they are patches that go behind the ear - -they are for motion sickness but the side effect is drying up salvia. They worked great, however, there is "no free lunch" these patches can "overdry" the mouth so if you use them, you'll need to use a dry mouth gel or spray many times per day to moisten the mouth (we used them everytime we swabbed the mouth as a rule for frequency). We used Biotene products -they worked great.
My husband has had PSP for several years, although like most patients, he was originally thought to have Parkinson's disease. Neurologists (in California, USA) have been using injections of Botox into the salivary (parotid) glands in my husband's jaw. He has also had this procedure done in the back of his neck to reduce the contracture that causes him to look up at the ceiling. In both instances the result has been favorable. His mouth is drier, but not too dry and the need for him to hold a tissue to his mouth is now gone. The effects of Botox diminish after about 2.5 months, at which time another injection can be scheduled. Check with your UK Med system to see if anyone is trained in this procedure.
Geoff started with the patches to dry up excess saliva but we always found them in strange places! Like his sheets, towels or on his feet! They started off behind his ears!! He then went on to the atropine eye drops on his tongue and the results have been great.
Geoff also has Botox around both eyes every 4 months and the results have been great - I thought he was being lazy with one or other eye regularly closed, but in fact his eyes were in spasm.
Good luck to all of you who are suffering or caring for someone with this horrendous illness x
Thanks to all of you who have responded to my enquiry. My hubby was advised of these drops by the doctor at the Day Centre he attends and she in turn contacted our own GP. Our own GP had never heard of using Atropine for drying the excess saliva and even telephoned me to query if I was happy to agree this treatment for my husband. After reading your feedback on here I have started him on the drops this morning, so we shall see how successful it is. Thanks again to everyone. Where would we all be without this site!!! It is really comforting to know we are not alone.
Take care everyone and stay strong.
Love..........SuzieQ xxx
My husband Frank has had PSP since 2007 ( diagnosis ) but probably since 2005. I have been using Atropine Sulphate eye drops under his tongue for many months now. We tried Hyoscine patches behind the ear but these had bad side effects. The Movement Disorder nurse at Salford Royal Hospital Manchester told me about the drops. I used to put a quick drop under his tongue after meals then give him a few sips of a drink afterwards. This helped greatly. Just recently his Physio brought us a suction machine as his secretions were getting worse. I also found that during the night he was getting worse.
Although the dosage is 3 x daily Frank's Neurologist agreed that I could use it just before bed as well.This has made a big difference. See how you go on with it.
Take care & keep smiling. Love Hazel B xx
Just watch for excess pupil dilation. When you take him outside, the atropine may prevent his pupils from constricting in the sun and he may be very sensitive to sunlight. Large wrap around sunglasses (like the kind they use after cataract surgery) will eliminate the photosensitivity and make him more comfortable.
Also watch for constipation. PSP patients have problems with bowel movements to begin with and atropine can cause more constipation.
Hope this helps.
Also see our carers guide for information about saliva
