Dopamine has an enemy in the brain, called Acetylcholine. Acetylcholine actually is a good chemical with a lot of beneficial effects, but one of the things it does is to reverse some of the actions of Dopamine.
Acetyl-choline & Dopamine are both “nice” but are enemies of each other.
These medications are anticholinergic. That is, these medications by destroying the effect of acetylcholine, give Dopamine a free hand in the brain.
Uses / Advantages:
There are no real advantages to the use of acetylcholine, over and above the usual Parkinson’s medications described earlier.
Sometimes, symptoms like Parkinson’s disease produced by the side-effects of other medications (Medication Induced Parkinsonism). These medications are effective in that situation. But, so is Amantadine – and it is much safer.
Disadvantages:
Oh Boy!
First, they are not as effective as levodopa. And they cause serious side-effects!
I (and many other doctors) believe that Trihexyphenidyl (Pacitane) and related medications should not be used in the elderly, at least not routinely. Acetylcholine has many vital roles to play in the body, including proper functioning of the brain, passing urine and keeping your pupils at the appropriate size.
Therefore the most common, and frequently serious side-effects with the use of these medications are:
Confusion – The patient may lose track of day and night. He/She gets confused easily, has trouble paying attention or remembering anything. In very severe cases, the patient can have visual hallucinations and become physically violent!Anticholinergics can cause confusion.
Acute urinary retention – This happens more frequently in males. The urinary bladder fills up with urine, but because of the anticholinergics, the path for urine to get out is closed! The patient starts becoming very, very uncomfortable because of the ever-increasing size of the bladder, which causes severe abdominal pain. This sometimes requires the urgent insertion of a catheter.Anticholinergics can make it very difficult to pass urine.
Glaucoma – Similar to what happens with urine, these medications can cause shut off the flow of fluid away from the eye. They make the pupil very large, blocking all the drainage pipes in the periphery of the eye. As a result, fluid keeps accumulating within the eye, and it starts becoming larger. The eye is not a very flexible, and therefore the pressure inside it increases rapidly, and this can cause severe eye pain and blindness. Immediate medical treatment is needed!Sometimes, anticholinergics can cause “Glaucoma” – which is uncontrolled increase in pressure inside the eye.
Bottom Line:
Who would you much rather have on your side? Arnold Schwarzenegger (Levodopa) or a potentially villanous side-kick (Trihexyphenidyl/Pacitane)?
Caution: This information is not a substitute for professional care. Do not change your medications/treatment without your doctor's permission.
Dr. Siddharth Kharkar
Dr. Siddharth Kharkar has been recognized as one of the best neurologists in Mumbai by Outlook India magazine and India today Magazine. He is a board certified (American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology certified) Neurologist.
Dr. Siddharth Kharkar is a Epilepsy specialist in Mumbai & Parkinson's specialist in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
He has trained in the best institutions in India, US and UK including KEM hospital in Mumbai, Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, University of California at San Francisco (UCSF), USA & Kings College in London.
Out patient is epileptic from about 10 years and her seizure gotten worse during the past year with the frequency of about 3-4 times a week.So we consulted… More Dr. Kharkar. He tried a few medicines, and within 1.5-2 months now the patient is feeling very well now. There are no seizures for 14 days currently.Dr. tried to keep medicines as minimum as possible. He also tried to keep the cost of the treatment minimum.When some of the medicines started showing side-effects, he was quick to switch the medicines to the better options.Overall I think we are getting a best of the available treatments. We thank you very much Dr. Kharkar.
Dr Kharkar is gem of a doctor with tremendous patience, empathy, genuine concern for his patients .He guides them very methodically & scientifically… More for their neurological ill healthOur epilepsy patient is extremely happy with his treatment , Patient feels better by just visiting him too!May his selfless service to humanity flourish to reach all the needy patients!!
I consulted Dr Sidharth for my sister who has become very hyper and aggressive and we could not understand the issue. Keeping in mind she is someone with… More special needs Dr Sidharth was extremely understanding of the situation and did not put her through unnecessary investigation and avoided a very long stay at the hospital. He was infact more keen on her returning home to her natural environment. We highly appreciate Dr Sidharth for his effort and for looking into the matter with utmost care. It was a very difficult decision for my family to get my sister admitted but we are glad we did it under his care.Thankyou Doc.
my name is prashant purohit. I m become completely bed ridden from last 9 months and was unable to walk. I couldnt find out the cause even after visiting… More many doctors and many hospital in Ahmedabad nd jodhpur.started losing hope. A good friend of mine suggested to visit a neurologist. After searching a lot, I came to know about Dr. Siddharth Kharkar and took his appointment in Nanavati Hospital. He examined and said that he suffered from \u201cPKD(PAROXYSMAL KNESIGENIC DYSKNESIA\u201c. He assured us to reverse this in 5 days time. And indeed this happened. I started recovering miraculously. today I am fully well fit I m walking as normal . Many Many thanks to Dr. Siddharth Kharkhar sir for giving me a new life.
Dr. Kharkar is truly exceptional. He is extremely knowledgeable. But simultaneously, he is extremely patient and kind - taking the time and care to respond… More to all the questions. It is rare to come across a doctor who is not in a hurry to get on to the next patient, but instead, focuses on the one in front with full attention, expertise and compassion. A great experience.
We visited Dr. Kharkhar for treatment regarding my mum - who is a multi-stroke patient and has aphasia. Certain medications were creating complications… More with her condition and Dr. Kharkhar was able to help mitigate the issue. We found him and his approach to be incredibly compassionate, considerate, individualized and patient-friendly. He advice is astute, up-to-date and empathetic. His treatment always comes from a deeply human place and is about seeing how to help the patient and their caregivers feel more at ease. Something that is quite rare and refreshing within the medical community.We feel that he genuinely cares about the patients that he is treating and is always kind and respectful in his communication. Moreover, his admin team is very efficient and prompt and it's a pleasure to deal with them.Would highly recommend Dr Kharkhar himself - though we must say our experience with Nanavati hospital itself has been less than ideal.Hope this helps.
I have been visiting Dr Kharkar for treatment of my father. He is a very friendly doctor. He listens to our concerns with lot of patience. He also explains… More the issue in much greater details. He has really been of great help. My father is much better now.
One of the best Dr. Gives complete attention and time to listen to patient's history, issues. Explains various options of treatment with pros and… More cons.
Exceptional experience with an expert,Dr. Kharkar is a knowledge house. It is rare nowadays to find doctors with patience, knowledge, and a flair for… More handling patient’s questions, besides Dr. Kharkar’s bedside manners are exemplary. I am privileged to be treated by such an amazing soul. I have told him and will repeat it here that “I am advancing my move back to India although I am a US Citizen, because I know I am in good hands and will be well taken care of. Thanks Dr. Kharkar for your selfless service!
Great doctor!! Really appreciate.The doctor diagnosed to my sister correctly and start treatment, she has good improvement after taking medicine prescribed… More by doctor as no epilepsy attake. We have good experience with the doctor. Thank you
1 thought on “Anticholinergics – Trihexyphenidyl, benztropine, biperiden etc.”
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