Trihexyphenidyl is a antispasmodic drug used to treat stiffness, tremors, spasms, and poor muscle control. It is one of World Health Organizations essential medicines.
It is used for the symptomatic treatment of Parkinsons disease in mono and combination therapy. The drug is also commonly used to treat extrapyramidal side effects occurring during antipsychotic treatment. It reduces the frequency and duration of oculogyric crises as well as of dyskinetic movements and spastic contractions.
Trihexyphenidyl may improve psychotic depression and mental inertia frequently associated with Parkinsons disease and symptomatic problems caused by antipsychotic treatment.
Off-label trihexyphenidyl has seen to be used for recreational purposes among soldiers and police, among other prescription drugs. The drugs is taken to relieve combat stress. Although that may be the case for some, others used Artane as a substitute or more intense version of LSD. This was especially prevalent in the 1960s. Some of the appeal was that the individual may retain partial control while under the influence.
