Cogentin Uses

Cogentin is used for treating Parkinson's disease, other Parkinson-like symptoms, and extrapyramidal disorders that are caused by antipsychotic medications. This prescription medication works to treat these conditions by re-establishing a normal balance between certain chemicals of the nervous system (dopamine and acetylcholine). On occasion, a healthcare provider may prescribe Cogentin for other uses. Cogentin is sometimes used "off-label" to treat excess salivation ("drooling").

Cogentin Drug Information

Uses of Cogentin: An Overview

Cogentin^®(benztropine mesylate) is a prescription medication that belongs to a group of drugs known as anticholinergics. It is approved to treat the following conditions:

Extrapyramidal disorders (movement or muscle tension disorders) caused by antipsychotic medications
Parkinson's disease and other similar conditions (when used in combination with other medications).

Cogentin for Extrapyramidal Symptoms

Extrapyramidal symptoms (also known as EPS) are a set of side effects that are common with antipsychotic medications, as well as a few other types of medications. Extrapyramidal symptoms are usually divided into different categories. Dyskinesias are movement disorders, while dystonias are muscle tension disorders. "Tardive" symptoms are those that appear during long-term treatment (often after several years of treatment). Unlike earlier symptoms, tardive symptoms are more likely to be permanent, even after the medication is stopped.

Cogentin can be very effective at controlling most EPS. However, Cogentin should not be used to treat tardive dyskinesia, as it is not effective for this use and may even worsen the condition.

(Cogentin Uses Continued: Page 2)