Side Effects
For the Consumer
Applies to biperiden: oral tablet
Along with its needed effects, biperiden may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking biperiden:
Incidence not known
- Anxiety
- chest pain or discomfort
- chills
- cold sweats
- confusion
- confusion about identity, place, and time
- decrease in frequency of urination
- decrease in urine volume
- difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)
- disturbed behavior
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position
- dry mouth
- false or unusual sense of well-being
- hyperventilation
- irregular heartbeats
- irregular, twisting uncontrolled movement of the face, hands, arms, or legs
- irritability
- nervousness
- painful urination
- restlessness
- shaking
- shortness of breath
- slow or irregular heartbeat
- trouble sleeping
- unusual tiredness
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking biperiden:
Symptoms of overdose
- Change in consciousness
- chest pain or discomfort
- convulsions
- decreased awareness or responsiveness
- decreased secretions of the mouth, pharynx, nose, or bronchi
- delusions of persecution, mistrust, suspiciousness, or combativeness
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- enlarged pupils
- face is warm or hot to touch
- fainting
- fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
- foul-smelling breath
- holding false beliefs that cannot be changed by fact
- lightheadedness
- loss of consciousness
- loss of memory
- no breathing
- redness to face
- seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
- severe sleepiness
- shakiness and unsteady walk
- trouble sitting still
- unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
- unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness
- warm, dry skin
Some side effects of biperiden may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Incidence not known- Blurred vision
- difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
- drowsiness
- nausea
- vomiting
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to biperiden: oral tablet
Nervous system
Nervous system side effects have included drowsiness, choreic movements, reduced rapid eye movement sleep, and anticholinergic syndrome. Symptoms of central anticholinergic syndrome include: dilated, sluggish pupils; warm, dry skin; flushing; decreased respiratory tract secretions; foul breath; increased body temperature; decrease bowel sounds; urinary retention; tachycardia/cardiac arrhythmias;delirium, disorientation, anxiety, hallucinations, confusion, incoherence; agitation; hyperactivity, ataxia, loss of memory; paranoia; combativeness and seizures. Central anticholinergic syndrome may progress to stupor, coma, paralysis, cardiac/respiratory arrest and death. Orthostatic dizziness, hypokinesia, and headache have also been reported.
A case of choreic movements was reported in a patient on concomitant therapy of biperiden and carbidopa/levodopa.
Gastrointestinal
Gastrointestinal side effects have included dry mouth, constipation, gastric irritation, nausea, vomiting, and increased salivation.
Psychiatric
Psychiatric side effects have included euphoria, disorientation, agitation, disturbed behavior, and concentration difficulties.
Other
Other side effects have included asthenia.
Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity side effects have included allergic skin reactions.
Genitourinary
Genitourinary side effects have included urinary retention.
Ocular
Ocular side effects have included blurred vision.
Cardiovascular
Postural hypotension and bradycardia may be minimized or eliminated by slow intravenous administration.
Cardiovascular side effects have included postural hypotension and bradycardia when administered parenterally.
References
1. "Product Information. Akineton HCl (biperiden)." Par Pharmaceutical Inc, Spring Valley, NY.
2. Baskak B, Atbasoglu EC, Ozguven HD, Saka MC, Gogus AK "The effectiveness of intramuscular biperiden in acute akathisia: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study." J Clin Psychopharmacol 27 (2007): 289-94
Some side effects of biperiden may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.