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Amantadine
Brand Name: Symmetrel, Symadine
Overview
Amantadine is an antidyskenetic and anticholinergic used to treat Parkinson’s disease,
including the side effects of many other drugs used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease
because of it’s ability to improve muscle control. It is also used to prevent and treat
influenza A infections. It has the ability to increase dopamine levels, which may explain
both its effects in reducing tremors and its effect on depression and dementia. When
amantadine is used to treat the flu, it helps to block viruses from entering cells.
Amantadine’s effects can often be felt within 2 days when used to treat Parkinson’s
or similar symptoms, but it may take up to 2 weeks for the full effects to be felt.
Amantadine is not habit-forming and is considered safe for long-term use.
Why
is this drug prescribed?
Amantadine is used to treat Parkinson’s disease.
Amantadine is also used to treat:
- Bed-wetting (in children)
- Some types of seizures
- Dementia
- Depression
- Drug-induced tremors, also known as Parkinsonism
- Traumatic head injury
- Some viral diseases (other than influenza)
- Problems due to brain injuries
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Fatigue related to multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Cocaine withdrawal
Amantadine is not FDA approved for these other uses, but they are generally accepted.
Warnings
and Precautions
Avoid alcohol when taking amantadine.
For Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: amantadine should not be taken during pregnancy
unless the mother’s life is in danger. Amantadine is not safe to take while breastfeeding.
Contraindications
Amantadine should Not be used for people with the following medical conditions:
- An allergy to amantadine.
- A previous negative reaction to another dopamine agonist.
Precautions
Amantadine may be used with caution in children and in people over 60 years of age.
For both these groups, the dosage should start low and be carefully monitored.
Adverse
Reactions
Amantadine may cause the following reactions:
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Faintness, especially upon standing or sitting up (orthostatic hypotension)
- Constipation
- A purple or blue network pattern on the skin
- Difficulty urinating
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Irritability
- Upset stomach (should be taken with food or milk)
- Blurred vision
- Restlessness
- Swelling, especially of the ankles
- Depression
Interactions
with Drugs and Other Substances
Drugs or substances that may interact with amantadine include:
- Cogentin (benztropine)
- Maxzide (hydrochlorothiazide with triamterene)
- Antidepressants
- Medications to treat Parkinson’s disease
- Stimulants
- Artane (trihexyphenidyl)
Sources
http://www.biopsychiatry.com/amantadine.htm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a682064.html
http://www.4therapy.com/consumer/medications/item.php?uniqueid=79
http://www.psyweb.com/Drughtm/symmet.html
http://www2.health-center.com/pharmacy/parkinson/amantadine.htm
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