Health information to help you understand symptoms. It isn't a diagnosis.
Check symptoms

Benztropine

Brand names: Cogentin (brand discontinued)

Benztropine reduces stiffness and tremor from Parkinson's or from antipsychotic medicines.

Brand namesCogentin (brand discontinued)
Type of medicineAnticholinergic
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It's anticholinergic, so older adults are more likely to have side effects.

What it's used for

  • Movement side effects from antipsychotics
  • Parkinson's tremor and stiffness

How to take it

  • Take it as prescribed, often at bedtime.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Dry mouth
  • Blurry vision
  • Constipation
  • Trouble peeing
Call your provider todayConfusion or seeing things
Call your provider todayOverheating, especially in hot weather
Call your provider todayCan't pee

Warnings

  • Avoid getting overheated.
  • Not for tardive dyskinesia; it can make it worse.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Other anticholinergic medicines add to side effects.
  • Alcohol adds to drowsiness.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.