How to Coach Yourself and Others Coaching and Counseling in Difficult Circumstances | Page 47

This book is in B&W, not color - Print page in Grayscale for Correct view! Anticholinergic medication What are they for? Anticholinergic medication includes procyclidine (Kemadrin) and orphenadrine (Disipal). These drugs are used to reduce some of the extrapyramidal side-effects of antipsychotic medication. Acute dystonia and Parkinsonism respond quite well, tremor responds less well, akathisia responds poorly and tardive dyskinesia can be made worse by the drugs. These drugs should not be prescribed routinely for all people taking antipsychotic medication, but only after symptoms arise. Withdrawal of anticholinergic drugs should be attempted after 2 or 3 months without symptoms, as the drugs are liable to misuse and may impair memory. Side-effects Common side-effects • Dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision. Rare but important side-effects • Urine retention: contact the doctor. Important notes about anticholinergic medication • Patients may trade them and may try to obtain an extra dose. • Drugs have a mood-elevating effect and, when taken on their own, in the absence of antipsychotic medication, may also cause muscles to become stiff or, if enough is taken, to go into spasm. • Take steps to ensure that the drug is given to and taken by the individual for whom it is prescribed. For [email protected] Property of Bookemon, do NOT distribute 49