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Trihexyphenidyl

Trihexyphenidyl is usually prescribed to relieve unwanted side-effects caused by certain other medicines.

When starting your treatment your doctor will give you a small dose and will then gradually increase your dose every few days. This helps your body adjust to the medicine and reduces the risk of side-effects. Take it exactly as your doctor tells you to.

The most common side-effects are a dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and feeling sick (nausea).

At a glance

  • Trihexyphenidyl is a medicine used to treat movement disorders caused by some other medicines.

  • It can also relieve muscle stiffness in people with Parkinson's disease.

  • Take tablets with or just after a meal, exactly as your doctor tells you.

  • Your doctor will gradually increase your dose when you start treatment.

  • Common side-effects include dry mouth, feeling sick, blurred vision, and dizziness.

  • Do not suddenly stop taking trihexyphenidyl; your doctor will gradually reduce the dose.

  • Do not drink alcohol or take other medicines without asking your doctor or pharmacist.

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About trihexyphenidyl

Tipo de medicamento

Un medicamento antimuscarínico

Usado para

Unwanted 'extrapyramidal side-effects' caused by some medicines

Disponible como

Tabletas y medicina líquida oral

Trihexyphenidyl is an antimuscarinic medicine. It is prescribed for people who have unwanted movement disorders as a side-effect of taking certain other medicines, such as some antipsychotic medicines. These movement disorders are often referred to as 'extrapyramidal side-effects' and include things like uncontrolled face and body movements, tremor, and restlessness.

Trihexyphenidyl can also be given to relieve muscle stiffness in people with enfermedad de Parkinson, although other medicines are generally preferred.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking trihexyphenidyl it is important that your doctor knows:

  • Si estás embarazada, intentando tener un bebé o amamantando.

  • If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or the way your kidneys work.

  • If you have any problems with your heart or blood vessels.

  • If you have prostate problems, or if you have been experiencing difficulty passing urine.

  • If you have been constipated for more than a week.

  • If you have a condition which causes raised pressure in your eyes, such as glaucoma.

  • Si tienes presión arterial alta.

  • Si tienes una condición que causa debilidad muscular, llamada miastenia gravis.

  • If you have ever had a mental health problem called psychosis.

  • Si está tomando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que esté disponible para comprar sin receta, así como medicamentos herbales y complementarios.

  • Si alguna vez has tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.

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  • Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. It will give you more information about trihexyphenidyl and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

  • Take trihexyphenidyl exactly as your doctor tells you to. When starting your treatment your doctor will give you a small dose (usually 1 mg daily) and will then gradually increase your dose every few days. Carefully follow the directions your doctor gives to you. Once you are on a full dose, it is likely that you will be taking three doses of trihexyphenidyl a day, although it may be more or less often than this.

  • Trihexyphenidyl tablets should be taken with or just after a meal. Try to take your doses at the same times of day each day, as this will help you to remember to take your doses regularly.

  • If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless your next dose is due. If it is nearly time for your next dose then take the next dose when it is due but leave out the forgotten dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

  • Intenta mantener tus citas regulares con tu médico. Esto es para que tu médico pueda verificar tu progreso.

  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with trihexyphenidyl. Some antihistamines and some strong painkillers can interfere with trihexyphenidyl and increase the risk of side-effects.

  • If you are having an operation or any dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking trihexyphenidyl.

  • If you have been taking trihexyphenidyl for some time, do not stop taking it without speaking with your doctor first. Stopping suddenly can cause problems so your doctor will want to reduce your dose gradually if this becomes necessary.

  • Ask your doctor for advice before drinking alcohol while you are on trihexyphenidyl. Your doctor may recommend you do not drink alcohol because it increases the possibility of side-effects such as feeling sleepy.

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Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with trihexyphenidyl. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Común

trihexyphenidyl side-effects (these affect fewer than 1 in 10 people)


¿Qué puedo hacer si experimento esto?

Boca seca

Try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free sweets. If a dry mouth is still troublesome, speak with your pharmacist for advice

Sentirse mal (náuseas) o estar enfermo (vómitos)

Mantente en alimentos simples - evita comidas ricas o picantes

Blurred vision, feeling dizzy

Si esto sucede, no conduzcas y no uses herramientas ni máquinas

Estreñimiento

Intenta comer una dieta equilibrada y beber varios vasos de agua cada día

Difficulty passing urine

If this becomes troublesome, speak with your doctor for advice

Si experimenta otros síntomas que cree que pueden deberse al medicamento, hable con su médico o farmacéutico para obtener más consejos.

  • Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y la vista de los niños.

  • Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos

Nunca tome más de la dosis prescrita. Si sospecha que usted u otra persona podría haber tomado una sobredosis de este medicamento, acuda al departamento de accidentes y emergencias de su hospital local. Lleve el envase con usted, incluso si está vacío.

Este medicamento es para ti. Nunca lo des a otras personas, incluso si su condición parece ser la misma que la tuya.

No guardes medicamentos caducados o no deseados. Llévalos a tu farmacia local, que se encargará de desecharlos por ti.

Si tienes alguna pregunta sobre este medicamento, consulta a tu farmacéutico.

Informar efectos secundarios de un medicamento o vacuna

Si experimenta efectos secundarios, puede reportarlos en línea a través de Yellow Card website.

verificador de síntomas

¿Inseguro sobre mezclar medicamentos?

Verifica posibles interacciones entre medicamentos, suplementos y alimentos antes de tomarlos juntos.

Preguntas frecuentes

What kind of movement disorders does trihexyphenidyl help with?

Trihexyphenidyl is used to treat unwanted movement disorders that can be a side-effect of certain other medicines, especially some antipsychotics. These are often called 'extrapyramidal side-effects' and can include uncontrolled movements of the face and body, tremor, and restlessness. It can also help relieve muscle stiffness in people with Parkinson's disease, but other medicines are usually preferred for this.

Is it safe to take trihexyphenidyl if I'm taking other medications?

You should tell your doctor about all medicines you are currently taking, including those bought without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines. Some antihistamines and strong painkillers can interact with trihexyphenidyl, potentially increasing the risk of side-effects. Always check with a pharmacist if you buy any new medicines while taking trihexyphenidyl to ensure they are safe to use together.

What should I do if I forget to take a dose of trihexyphenidyl?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and just take your next dose when it's due. Do not take two doses together to compensate for a forgotten one.

Can I stop taking trihexyphenidyl if I feel better?

No, if you have been taking trihexyphenidyl for some time, you should not stop taking it suddenly without first speaking to your doctor. Stopping abruptly can cause problems. Your doctor will devise a plan to reduce your dose gradually if it becomes necessary to stop the medication.

Are there any precautions I should take if I need an operation or dental treatment?

Yes, if you are due to have an operation or any dental treatment, it is important to inform the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking trihexyphenidyl.

What should I do if I experience dry mouth or constipation as side-effects?

For dry mouth, try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free sweets. If it remains troublesome, speak to your pharmacist for advice. For constipation, aim to eat a well-balanced diet and drink several glasses of water daily. If difficulty passing urine becomes a problem, you should speak with your doctor for advice.

What if I accidentally take too much trihexyphenidyl?

Never take more than your prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of trihexyphenidyl, you should go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital immediately. Remember to bring the medicine container with you, even if it is empty.

Lecturas adicionales y referencias

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About the authorView full bio

Author image

Michael Stewart, MRPharmS

Medicine Leaflet Review Manager – Contractor, Pharmacist

BPharm (Hons), MRPharmS

Michael is a community pharmacist practicing in the Midlands and South Yorkshire with more than 20 years’ experience advising on medicines and medical conditions. He has a strong background in healthcare training, having produced and delivered training courses for pharmacy teams and staff of residential care settings, including nurses. He has also contributed to pharmacy advisory boards for the management of low acuity conditions in the community.

About the reviewer

Author image

Sid Dajani

Sultan Dajani qualified at the London School of Pharmacy in 1994 and became the youngest elected member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society council since its founding in 1842.

Historial del artículo

La información en esta página está escrita y revisada por pares por clínicos calificados.

  • Próxima revisión: 6 de agosto de 2026
  • 7 Ago 2023 | Última versión

    Última actualización por

    Michael Stewart, MRPharmS

    Revisado por pares por

    Sid Dajani
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