Posted by JESSsMom on January 9, 2003, at 16:10:56
In reply to Re: Cogentin , posted by xjs7 on January 7, 2003, at 20:07:39
> Hi JM,
>
> I have been taking Cogentin (benztropine mesylate) for almost 9 months. At first the only side effect that I experienced was dry mouth, but that went away after a few weeks. I now take 1 mg BID and have no side effects from it.
>
> I think in your case that Cogentin is probably causing the confusion, blurry vision, and memory loss. I have read a study which showed that short-term memory loss is common with this medication. So, the sort of problems are experiencing are probably pretty common with Cogentin.
>
> I think you did the right thing by stopping taking it. The idea behind Cogentin is to reduce your uncomfortable side effects, not increase them. Also I know that there are other medications in Cogentin's class (anticholinergics like Artane) that may agree with your system better. Make sure you ask your doctor about these possibilities. I am not sure what other strategies are used to treat excessive sweating, as I've never had that problem.
>
> I hope you find something that works for your sweating soon--good luck.
>
> xjs7Hi--thanks for the good advice and the affirmation that the Cogentin was causing these terrible symptoms. I pretty much figured it was since it was the newest med added and the good old pill book talks about these symptoms.
I'm glad you don't get them. But when I looked Artane up in my book it was included under Cogentin as one of it's generic names, along with benztropine mesylate. I assume I won't be able to tolerate that one either.
I did stop taking the benz. mes. this past Tuesday (today is Thurs) and I still have these symptoms two days later, although I do think they are lessening. Can't wait to get this one out of system--not for me. Even just typing this is hard b/c of my up close blurry vision.
Thanks again for your response,
JM
poster:JESSsMom
thread:134875
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030106/msgs/135125.html