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Amantadine

  • Important: This medicine may cause drowsiness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
  • Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, do so only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
  • If you are taking these tablets for Parkinson's disease, do not stop taking them without speaking to your doctor first. Your doctor will need to reduce your dose gradually before stopping.

About amantadine

Type of medicineA dopaminergic drug
Antiviral
Used forRelief of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease
Preventing or treating influenza and shingles
Also calledLysovir, Symmetrel
Available asCapsules and oral liquid (syrup)

Amantadine works by increasing the amount of the chemical messenger in the brain known as dopamine. It is the lack of dopamine that causes the symptoms of Parkinson's disease such as loss of muscle control and stiffness.

Amantadine has also been found to have an effect on the growth of certain viruses and is sometimes used to prevent and treat influenza and shingles.

Before taking amantadine

Before taking amantadine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from heart, liver or kidney problems.
  • If you suffer from epilepsy.
  • If you have ever had a stomach ulcer.
  • If you have suffered from confusion, mental illness or had hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real).
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
  • If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take amantadine

  • Read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible before beginning treatment.
  • Take amantadine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you are taking capsules, swallow them whole with a drink of water.
  • You may have to take this medicine for several weeks or months before you feel the full benefit.
  • Do not stop taking amantadine without speaking to your doctor first. Your doctor will need to reduce your dose of amantadine gradually before stopping.
  • Try not to miss any doses. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Never take two doses at the same time to compensate.
  • Amantadine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If you are taking amantadine for Parkinson's disease, as your condition improves and your body movements become easier, be careful not to overdo physical activities. Physical activities must be increased gradually to allow your body to adjust to changing balance, circulation and co-ordination. This is especially important in the elderly.
  • Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take with amantadine.

Can amantadine cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Loss of appetite, feeling sick, upset tummyEat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Dizziness, light-headednessGetting up slowly may help.
Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor.

Other side effects include anxiety or nervousness, lack of concentration, difficulty in sleeping, seeing or hearing things that aren't real, blurred vision, foot or ankle swelling, bluish patches of skin developing on the legs (usually only after taking amantadine for a prolonged time), mood changes, sweating, and muscle pain.

If you experence any other worrying symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor.

How to store amantadine

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. If possible take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 53nd Edition (March 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. London (link to current BNF).
  • Summary of Product Characteristics; Symmetrel Capsules®, Alliance Pharmaceuticals, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised October 2001, accessed 01 October 2007.
  • Summary of Product Characteristics; Lysovir capsules®, Alliance Pharmaceuticals, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised July 2005, accessed 01 October 2007.
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