Exacerbation of Pre-existing Psychotic Symptoms:
Patients being treated for EPS as the result of first-generation antipsychotic therapy are
at risk of having an intensification of their underlying mental disorder. These patients
should be under close observation especially when they are being transition to a
different antipsychotic medication.
Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)
Patients that have been maintained on first-generation antipsychotics for a prolonged
period of time may develop TD. TD may be present for these patients at baseline or
when their therapy is discontinued. Benztropine is not indicated for the management of
TD and in some cases may aggravate its symptoms. Notify the physician if patients
exhibit signs and symptoms of TD lchewing, lip smacking, puckerin& foot tapping,
“piano-playing fingers”, shoulder shrugging).
Narrow-Antle Glaucoma
Benztropine has the potential to exacerbate presentation of narrow-angle glaucoma so
it is contraindicated in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma.
