Symmetrel (Amantadine)

Symmetrel
Amantadine is an antiviral drug used to reduce on/off fluctuations and involuntary movements (dyskinesias) in Parkinson's disease.

It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1976 for the treatment of Influenzavirus A in adults. In 1969 the drug was also discovered by accident to help reduce symptoms of Parkinson's disease and drug-induced extrapyramidal syndromes. It is a derivative of adamantane, like rimantadine, a similar drug.
As an antiparkinsonic it can be used as monotherapy; or together with L-DOPA to treat L-DOPA-related motor fluctuations (i.e., shortening of L-DOPA duration of clinical effect, probably related to progressive neuronal loss) and L-DOPA-related dyskinesias (choreiform movements associated with long-term L-DOPA use, probably related to chronic pulsatile stimulation of dopamine receptor

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach upset, nausea, drowsiness, constipation, headache, dizziness, anxiety, or purplish-red blotchy spots on the skin during the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor promptly. Notify your doctor if you develop: slurred speech, shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles/feet, unusual fatigue, vision disturbances, difficulty urinating, skin rash, mental/mood changes (sometimes severe, including rare thoughts of suicide), muscle stiffness, uncontrolled muscle movements, unusual sweating, fast heartbeat, unexplained fever. If you notice s).


Source: PatientsLikeMe