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Benztropine

Also indexed as: Cogentin®

Benztropine is used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and to treat adverse reactions to anti-psychotic drugs.

Interactions with Dietary Supplements

L-tryptophan and Niacin
Akathisia is an adverse reaction to anti-psychotic drugs, where a person has an uncontrollable desire to be in constant motion. One preliminary report suggested that 4,000 mg of L-tryptophan and 25 mg niacin per day taken with benztropine enhances the treatment of akathisia.1 Controlled studies are necessary to determine whether L-tryptophan and niacin supplements might benefit most people taking benztropine who experience adverse reactions to anti-psychotic drugs.

Summary of Interactions

Depletion or interference None known
Adverse interaction None known
Side effect reduction/prevention None known
Supportive interaction L-tryptophan*
Niacin*
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability None known

For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

References:

1. Kramer MS, DiJohnson C, Davis P, et al. L-tryptophan in neuroleptic-induced akathisia. Biol Psychiatry 1990;27:671–2.