The effect of trihexphenidyl (Artane) on memory in schizophrenic patients

The anticholinergic effect of trihexphenidyl on memory function of 20 schizophrenic patients has been investigated in a double blind crossover design. Impairment of immediate memory and short term memory was evident after trihexphenidyl treatment in comparison with placebo. Sensory short term memory tested by visual tasks and remote memory showed no significant statistical differences. Our data suggested that trihexphenidyl due to its anticholinergic effect might impair memory function.