Procyclidine

About procyclidine

Procyclidine is used to relieve unwanted side-effects caused by some antipsychotic medicines. Antipsychotic medicines are prescribed for mental health problems such as schizophrenia. As a side-effect of treatment, antipsychotic medicines can sometimes cause unwanted body movements, some of which may be severe. These movement disorders are often referred to as 'extrapyramidal side-effects' or 'Parkinsonism' and include things like uncontrolled face and body movements, shakiness (tremor), and restlessness. Procyclidine is prescribed to relieve these types of symptoms.

Procyclidine is also used to relieve some of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, which include movement problems such as stiff muscles, shakiness (tremor) and eye movements, as well as sweating and producing too much saliva.

Before taking procyclidine

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking procyclidine it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or the way your kidneys work.

• If you have any problems with your heart or blood vessels.

• If you have prostate problems, or if you have been experiencing difficulty passing urine.

• If you have been constipated for more than a week or if you have been told you have an obstruction in your bowel.

• If you have a condition which causes raised pressure in your eyes, such as glaucoma.

• If you have high blood pressure (hypertension).

• If you have a condition causing muscle weakness, called myasthenia gravis.

• If you have ever had a mental health problem called psychosis.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take procyclidine

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The manufacturer's leaflet will give you more information about procyclidine and a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take procyclidine exactly as your doctor tells you to. When starting your treatment your doctor will give you a small dose (usually half a tablet or 5 ml liquid medicine three times daily), and then may gradually increase your dose.

• Carefully follow the directions your doctor gives to you. Although procyclidine is usually prescribed as a three times daily dose, you may be advised to take it more or less often than this.

• It is not important whether you take procyclidine before or after food, although some people find taking it with meals helps prevent feelings of sickness (nausea).

• Try to take your doses of procyclidine at the same times of day, each day. This will help you to remember to take your doses regularly.

• If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with procyclidine. Some antihistamines and some strong painkillers can interfere with procyclidine and increase the risk of side-effects.

• If you are having an operation or any dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking procyclidine.

• If you have been taking procyclidine for some time, do not stop taking it without speaking with your doctor first. Stopping suddenly can cause problems so your doctor will want to reduce your dose gradually when this is necessary.

Can procyclidine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with procyclidine. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store procyclidine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines