How can side effects be managed?

Side Effect Management Plan
Increase in heart rate
 
 
  • Take short rests

  • Be cautious if operating machines or driving

  • Discuss with your doctor
Postural hypotension
 
 
  • Drink warm water

  • Do not lie down within the first 30 minutes after taking the medication
Nausea and vomiting
  • Drink warm water

  • Do not lie down within the first 30 minutes after taking the medication
Drowsy and tiredness
  • Take short rests

  • Be cautious if operating machines or driving

  • Discuss with your doctor
Headache and dizziness
  • Condition will improve in around a week’s time

  • Stay positive, exercise regularly and keep a daily routine

  • If the condition persists, please notify your doctor on check-up
Hand tremour
  • Avoid drinking any caffeinated beverages (tea, coffee and coke)

  • Doctor may adjust your current drug dosage
Weight gain
  • Control diet

  • Exercise regularly

  • Notify your doctor on check-up
Blurred vision
  • Notify your doctor on check-up
Dry mouth
  • Sip on water frequently

  • Rinse mouth with water

  • Sucking on ice, sugar-free sweets or chewing sugar-free chewing gum
Constipation
  • Drink 6-8 glasses of water (240ml x8)
  • ​Eat lots of green vegetables, fresh fruits and food that is high in fibre
  • Exercise daily and massage the lower abdomen
Urinary retention
  • Drink plenty of water

  • When urinating, you can stimulate the bladder by warming the lower tummy with warm water, listen to waterfall sounds or can take a warm bath beforehand

  • If you are unable to urinate, please consult your doctor immediately
Photosensitivity
  • Avoid sun exposure

  • Sun protection is needed whenever (even in winter) with clothing and sunscreens

  • Please notify your doctor if the skin irritation is severe
Doctors may prescribe other medicines to alleviate the side effects. Most common ones are Benzhexol and Benztropine, which mainly improves tremour and abnormal muscle contraction. However, they have their own adverse effects which are generally lighter, for example, dry mouth, cognitive changes and constipation. If it is in overdose, patients may appear psychotic.
 

Note 1

Postural hypotension is a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up or stretching, it causes symptoms such as head rush, dizzy spells, blurred vision, weakness and in rare cases fainting/ syncope.