Benztropine, an anticholinergic medication, is prescribed short-term for drug-induced movement disorders but can worsen tardive dyskinesia symptoms. Researchers of a study analyzed a large US medical claims database, identifying over 100,000 patients who began benztropine treatment between 2017-2020, and surveyed 350 healthcare providers about their prescribing habits. Results showed that more than half of the patients used benztropine for longer than the recommended three months, with many taking it for over a year, raising safety concerns, especially for older adults.

The study also found that providers often prescribed benztropine for inappropriate reasons, such as preventing or treating tardive dyskinesia, contrary to guidelines from groups like the American Academy of Neurology. Primary care physicians were more likely than psychiatrists to continue long-term and inappropriate use of benztropine. Long-term use of benztropine is associated with side effects like cognitive impairment, particularly in elderly patients. The study highlights the need for better education on appropriate benztropine use and adherence to evidence-based guidelines to improve outcomes for vulnerable patients.

Reference: The Weekly Mind Reader: Overprescribing Benztropine. Psychiatrist.com. Published September 1, 2023. Accessed July 15, 2024. https://www.psychiatrist.com/news/the-weekly-mind-reader-overprescribing-benztropine/