Benzatropine (BZT)

Benzatropine is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, Parkinsonism, and dystonia. Benzatropine is a centrally acting anticholinergic/antihistamine agent resulting from the combination of the tropine portion of the atropine molecule and the benzohydryl portion of diphenhydramine. Animal studies have indicated that anticholinergic activity of benzatropine is approximately one-half that of atropine, while its antihistamine activity approaches that of mepyramine. Its anticholinergic effects have been established as therapeutically significant in the management of Parkinsonism. Benzatropine antagonizes the effect of acetylcholine, decreasing the imbalance between the neurotransmitters acetylcholine and dopamine, which may improve the symptoms of early Parkinson's disease.Benzatropine is also a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, which makes it useful for people with extrapyramidal symptoms who take antipsychotics.