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What is Cogentin
BenzatropineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryBenztropine is a medication used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It is made up of two components - a tropane ring similar to cocaine, and a diphenyl ether from dialkylpiperazines. Benztropine was developed by USL Pharma and approved by the FDA in 1996. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, which helps to reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Cogentinis the brand name
Cogentin Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Cogentin
Benzatropine
1959
200
Effectiveness
How Cogentin Affects PatientsBenztropine works by blocking the reuptake of dopamine in the nerve cells. This results in an increased amount of dopamine in the body. The effects of benztropine can be felt after 1-2 hours when taken orally and a few minutes when taken through an injection. The effects can last up to 24 hours. Benztropine also has a sedative effect, as well as antihistamine and anticholinergic properties that are similar to the effects found with pyrilamine and atropine.
How Cogentin works in the bodyBenztropine has two main effects on the body. First, it blocks dopamine transporters in the brain, which helps to balance out dopamine levels. It also binds to muscarinic receptors in the striatum, blocking their activity. This reduces the activity of acetylcholine in the body, which is useful for Parkinson's patients.
When to interrupt dosage
The proposed dosage of Cogentin is contingent on the diagnosed condition. The amount of dosage relies upon the technique of delivery (e.g. Tablet - Oral or Solution - Oral) documented in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Parkinsonism
, 1.0 mg/mL, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Parenteral, Injection - Parenteral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous
Warnings
Cogentin ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Benzatropine may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Cogentin Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Aclidinium
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Benzatropine is combined with Aclidinium.
Amitriptyline
Major
The metabolism of Amitriptyline can be decreased when combined with Benzatropine.
Astemizole
Major
The metabolism of Astemizole can be decreased when combined with Benzatropine.
Cimetropium
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Benzatropine is combined with Cimetropium.
Clomipramine
Major
The metabolism of Clomipramine can be decreased when combined with Benzatropine.
Cogentin Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lowest toxic dose of benztropine in rats is 940mg/kg. Overdosing on benztropine can cause symptoms such as low blood pressure, heart or breathing problems, confusion, shock, loss of coordination, increased body temperature, difficulty swallowing, decreased bowel sounds, and small pupils.
Cogentin Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Cogentin?
Presently, two clinical trials are exploring the potential of Cogentin to mitigate the symptoms of Parkinsonism.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Parkinsonism
3 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4
Cogentin Reviews: What are patients saying about Cogentin?
5Patient Review
12/23/2010 I've had bipolar disorder since I was a kid, and Cogentin has been really effective for me.
5Patient Review
3/22/2012 I've been using Cogentin for about 10 days now, and I'm already feeling a lot better. I'm more confident to take on tasks that I would have avoided before, and my tremor is gradually getting better.
4Patient Review
9/6/2012 I started taking cogentin to help with side effects of my antidepressants, and it really made a difference. I felt more normal and had more energy. Additionally, it helped with some cognitive problems I was experiencing after a brain injury.
4Patient Review
4/29/2013 This medicine is great for reducing the rigidity and tremors that come with EPS and Dystonia, two conditions I've dealt with for most of my life. The only downside is that it gives me a really dry mouth shortly after taking it.
3Patient Review
1/17/2012 I took cogentin a few years ago to counteract side effects from a neuroleptic (EPS). Soon I was falling asleep all the time while driving, unable to speak in a complete sentence, and apparently raving about nonexistent missiles in Japan. I can't even remember most of what happened during that period of time. When I saw my doctor and couldn't communicate with him at all either by speaking or writing, he had to hospitalize me to get me stabilized and to change my medications.
1.3Patient Review
7/17/2010 My mother started taking this to counter side effects of Abilify. However, she only lasted three days because the medication caused such severe memory loss and dry mouth that it interfered with her quality of life. Not worth it!
Patient Q&A Section about cogentin
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What symptoms does Cogentin treat?
"Cogentin is a medication that has been approved by the FDA to treat all forms of parkinsonism. This medication is used to help treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, as well as the extrapyramidal involuntary muscle movements that can be caused by certain psychiatric drugs, such as antipsychotics."
Answered by AI
What is the drug Cogentin used for?
"Benztropine is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease, or involuntary movements that are caused by the side effects of psychiatric drugs such as chlorpromazine or haloperidol."
Answered by AI
Why is Cogentin given with antipsychotics?
"The combination of these two medicines may be prescribed in order to prevent or treat side effects that are caused by antipsychotic or phenothiazine medicine. However, in some situations, the combination of these medicines may actually increase the likelihood of experiencing medicine side effects."
Answered by AI
Is Cogentin used for anxiety?
"No, benztropine will not help with anxiety. Benztropine can cause mind-altering effects in rare cases, such as mental confusion, excitement, or hallucinations. It works similarly to atropine, which is also known to have these effects."
Answered by AI