|  | Conditions Treatments | Illness

Side Effects of Antimuscarinics

Antimuscarinics are medications used in the prevention and treatment of certain types of flu viruses. The medication is an anti-Parkinson and antiviral drug whose actual treatment method is still unknown to doctors. As with most flu medications, there are a number of side effects that can come as a result of using an antimuscarinic.

  1. Common Side Effects

    • As mentioned, there are certain side effects associated with using antimuscarinics. Some of these side effects include blurred vision, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, dry mouth, dry nose, nausea, lightheadedness, unusual dreams, insomnia, and increased tiredness. While these are considered the most common side effects associated with using this medication, they only affect a small number of users.

    Severe Side Effects

    • Unfortunately, there are also a number of severe side effects associated with using antimuscarinics. Some of these side effects include severe allergic reactions, hives, difficulty breathing, tightening of the chest, swelling of the lips and eyes, irritation, aggression, fainting, depression, paranoid thoughts, personality changes, muscle problems, irregular heartbeat, and hallucinations. These side effects are also very rare and do not affect a large amount of people.

    Important Safety Information

    • Antimuscarinics have been known to cause increased dizziness and drowsiness in some users. As a result, it is not recommended to operate any type of machinery (including automobiles) while using these drugs. Alcohol and regular exercise have been known to add to the effects of the medication and users must exercise extreme caution throughout the course of treatment. Antimuscarinics only work against certain types of the flu, so please consult with your doctor to see if the drug is right for you.

    Usage

    • Always use these medications in direct conjunction with your doctor's orders and never in dosages that exceed what has been recommended on the label. The medication is administered in pill form through the mouth and can be taken either with or without food. Take your medication for the entire length of treatment regardless of whether or not symptoms are improving. If you miss a dosage of your medication, take the missed dosage as soon as possible. Never take two doses at once.

    Warning

    • If you experience any of the above side effects, contact your local physician immediately.

      If an overdose of antimuscarinics is suspected, contact your local poison control center and head directly to the nearest emergency room.

      Antimuscarinics are meant for the treatment of certain flu symptoms only and should never be used recreationally.

Illness - Related Articles