Compare Artane vs. entacapone

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Treats Parkinson's disease.

Artane (trihexyphenidyl) can be used to control tremors if you have Parkinson's, but it can really dry you out and cause other side effects.

Treats Parkinson's disease.

Comtan (entacapone) enhances the effect of carbidopa/levodopa. It's usually added on when carbidopa/levodopa starts to lose its effect on Parkinson's disease.

Upsides
  • Artane (trihexyphenidyl) can be used with other medicines and in people with advanced Parkinson's who still have tremors.
  • Effective by itself for people under 70 with Parkinson's who only have problems with tremors.
  • Less severe side effects compared to other medicines for tremors.
  • Available as generic.
  • Allows you to get more out of carbidopa/levodopa, especially in later stages of Parkinson's disease.
  • Comtan (entacapone) is available in a single pill combination with carbidopa/levodopa.
Downsides
  • Not recommended in people over 65 or in people with memory problems.
  • Artane (trihexyphenidyl) only calms down tremors because of Parkinson's, but it doesn't treat other symptoms.
  • Can't be used in people with glaucoma or an enlarged prostate.
  • Must be taken with other medicines for Parkinson's disease
  • Can make you lightheaded especially if you suddenly stand up from sitting or lying down.
  • Can make you very sleepy
  • May require frequent adjustments before finding the dose that works best for you
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$4.00
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Lowest price
$104.75
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Reviews
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Side effects
The Artane (trihexyphenidyl) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
21possible side effects
  • Difficulty controlling movements
    25%
  • Nausea
    14%
  • Muscle spasm
    10%
  • Changes in urine color
    10%
  • Diarrhea
    10%
  • Muscle rigidity
    9%
  • Dizziness
    8%
  • Abdominal pain
    8%
  • Fatigue
    6%
  • Constipation
    6%
  • Vomiting
    4%
  • Dry mouth
    3%
  • Shortness of breath
    3%
  • Purple spots on the skin
    3%
  • Increased sweating
    2%
  • Back pain
    2%
  • Anxiety
    2%
  • Sleepiness
    2%
  • Indigestion
    2%
  • Flatulence
    2%
  • Weakness
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    • Abruptly stopping Artane (trihexyphenidyl)
  • Drowsiness and dizziness
  • Vision problems
    • Narrow angle glaucoma
  • Dehydration
    • Over age 65
  • Fever and heat stroke
    • Dehydration
    • Prolonged exposure to hot conditions
    • Alcohol
    • Manual laborers
  • Psychiatric problems
    • Over age 65
    • History of mental or psychiatric problems
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Falling asleep during the day
    • Taking other medicines for Parkinson's
  • Changes in behavior
  • Low blood pressure and fainting
    • Low blood pressure
    • Taking medicines for high blood pressure
  • Lack of impulse control
    • Taking other medicines for Parkinson's disease
  • Diarrhea
  • Difficulty controlling movements
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Artane (trihexyphenidyl)
Learn more about Comtan (entacapone)