Compare Artane vs. Mirapex

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.

Helps with movement problems.

Mirapex (pramipexole) is effective for Parkinson's disease or restless legs syndrome, but can cause extreme drowsiness that affects daily living.

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.
  • Mirapex (pramipexole) may be better for older people with Parkinson's since it causes fewer movement and mental changes than its alternatives.
  • Mirapex (pramipexole) comes in extended-release form to help reduce side effects and ease administration.
  • Available as a generic so it will be cheaper than similar brand medications.
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.
  • Mirapex (pramipexole) can be used by itself, but is usually used in combination with other medications to treat Parkinson's.
  • Not the best choice if you have kidney problems.
  • You cannot suddenly stop taking Mirapex (pramipexole) if you have been taking it for a long time.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Pill
  • Extended release
Price
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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.
36possible side effects
  • Postural hypotension
    53%
  • Muscle rigidity
    47%
  • Extrapyramidal syndrome
    28%
  • Insomnia
    27%
  • Dizziness
    26%
  • Hallucinations
    17%
  • Accidental injury
    17%
  • Dream abnormalities
    11%
  • Confusion
    10%
  • Muscle weakness
    10%
  • Constipation
    10%
  • Sleepiness
    9%
  • Muscle problems
    8%
  • Gait abnormalities
    7%
  • Muscle tenseness
    7%
  • Dry mouth
    7%
  • Memory loss
    6%
  • Urinary frequency
    6%
  • General swelling
    4%
  • Urinary tract infection
    4%
  • Shortness of breath
    4%
  • Accomodation abnormalities
    4%
  • Restlessness
    3%
  • Thinking abnormalities
    3%
  • Chest pain
    3%
  • Malaise
    3%
  • Runny nose
    3%
  • Vision abnormalities
    3%
  • Arthritis
    3%
  • Paranoid reaction
    2%
  • Urinary incontinence
    2%
  • Lung infection
    2%
  • Twitching
    2%
  • Swelling of joints
    2%
  • Peripheral swelling
    2%
  • Skin disorders
    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
  • Impulse control problems
  • Problems with concentration
    • Taking with alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you sleepy
    • Sleep disorders
  • Low blood pressure
    • Taking blood pressure medicines
  • Kidney problems
    • Kidney problems
  • Skin cancer
    • Parkinson's disease
  • Hallucinations and behavior changes
    • Age 65 years or older
    • History of psychosis
    • Advanced Parkinson's disease
See more detailed risks and warnings