Artane vs. Gocovri for Parkinson's Disease: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Trihexyphenidyl and Gocovri (amantadine) are both used to treat movement problems in Parkinson's disease (PD), but they work differently and have different dosing schedules. Trihexyphenidyl is an anticholinergic that blocks acetylcholine to help with tremors and movement-related side effects from other medications. It's taken multiple times a day and is available in both tablet and oral liquid forms. Common side effects include dry mouth, blurry vision, and dizziness. On the other hand, Gocovri is an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist that helps with uncontrolled movements (dyskinesia) and "off" episodes caused by levodopa-containing medications. It's taken once a day at bedtime and can be sprinkled on food if you have trouble swallowing pills. Common side effects include hallucinations, dizziness, and dry mouth. Gocovri is not safe during pregnancy and can interact with live vaccines, while trihexyphenidyl can cause more side effects in older adults and should be avoided if you have narrow-angle glaucoma.

Trihexyphenidyl

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Gocovri

(amantadine)

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Summary for Artane

Prescription only

Trihexyphenidyl is an anticholinergic medication that blocks acetylcholine, a chemical that affects movement. It's used to help with tremors in adults with Parkinson's disease (PD). It can also ease movement-related side effects caused by other medications. Trihexyphenidyl is taken by mouth, sometimes multiple times a day. It's available as tablets and an oral liquid. Common side effects of this medication include dry mouth, blurry vision, dizziness, and nausea. The brand name Artane has been discontinued, so trihexyphenidyl is generic only.

Indications for Artane

Add-on treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD)
Movement problems (extrapyramidal symptoms or EPS) caused by central nervous system medications

Pros and Cons for Artane

Pros

Taken by mouth
Available as an oral solution for people who've a hard time swallowing tablets
Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

Might need to take multiple times a day
Can cause more side effects in older adults
Suddenly stopping the medication can lead withdrawal symptoms

Common Side Effects for Artane

Dry mouth
Blurry vision
Dizziness
Nausea
Nervousness

Warnings for Artane

Vision changes
Heat stroke
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
Use in older adults

Summary for Gocovri

Prescription only

Gocovri (amantadine) belongs to the drug class called NMDA antagonists. This medication is for adults with Parkinson’s disease (PD). It helps people taking levodopa medications with sudden, uncontrolled body movements (dyskinesia). It also helps prevent "off" episodes when levodopa/carbidopa medications wear off. Gocovri (amantadine) is a capsule you take by mouth once a day at bedtime. Common side effects are hallucinations, dizziness, and dry mouth.