SYMMETREL

Symmetrel, also known as amantadine hydrochloride, serves as both an anti-Parkinson and antiviral medication, prescribed to either prevent or alleviate symptoms of infections caused by influenza A virus strains.

Gabapentin (G) functions by inhibiting calcium influx, preventing the release of neurotransmitters. On the other hand, amantadine (A) acts as an antagonist to the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor on the postsynaptic side, effectively blocking the transmission of pain signals from these receptors.

Apart from its primary uses, amantadine has demonstrated additional benefits, including its potential to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, OCD, and depression. Moreover, it has been found to enhance neuroplasticity in individuals with brain injuries, making it a potentially safe option for long-term use.

It’s advisable for consumers to exercise caution with caffeine consumption while using amantadine. This entails limiting caffeine intake from sources such as coffee, colas, teas, and chocolate, as well as being mindful of caffeine-containing medications and herbal supplements.

Dosing recommendations for various medications, such as selegiline, Zelapar, rasagiline, and safinamide, typically involve oral administration once per day, either in the morning or at noon to mitigate the risk of insomnia.

In a study assessing side effects and body mass index changes during amantadine treatment, it was observed that there was a mean weight gain of 10.5 kg, equating to a 19.9% mean increase in body weight from baseline to the commencement of amantadine treatment. The average duration of the amantadine trial was approximately 14.5 weeks, with a range spanning from 4 to 33 weeks.

Research involving extended-release amantadine capsules administered once daily at bedtime for four weeks has shown a modest improvement in walking speed. However, this outcome suggests the need for further research to establish its efficacy more conclusively.

While amantadine is not FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD, its dopamine-enhancing properties may contribute to improvements in ADHD symptoms. Studies indicate that children taking amantadine have exhibited enhancements in fatigue, arousal levels, distractibility, attention, and concentration.

Amantadine, though not licensed for pain relief in dogs, is a versatile drug with various mechanisms of action. It contributes to pain relief by diminishing the development of sensitization to pain within the central nervous system, encompassing the brain and spinal cord.

Amantadine serves as an antidyskinetic medicine, primarily used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and its associated symptoms, including dyskinesia, which involves sudden uncontrolled movements. It may be administered either as a standalone treatment or in combination with other medications like levodopa.

Research has highlighted that amantadine, through mechanisms that remain partially understood, can be effective in alleviating fatigue in individuals with multiple sclerosis. The standard dosage for managing fatigue in MS typically ranges from 100 to 200 mg daily, with an emphasis on morning administration to avoid sleep disturbances.

While improvement in Parkinson’s disease symptoms is often observed within approximately 2 days of starting amantadine treatment, it’s essential to note that in some patients, it may take up to 2 weeks for the full therapeutic benefits to become evident.

Amantadine may induce agitation, irritability, or abnormal behaviors in some individuals. Additionally, it has the potential to trigger suicidal thoughts or tendencies and worsen depressive symptoms. Any sudden or intense emotions, such as nervousness, anger, restlessness, violence, or fear, should be promptly reported to a healthcare provider.

Studies have reported that amantadine can elevate brain metabolism within the frontoparietal network. As a result, it is widely utilized as a neurostimulant to enhance consciousness.

When it comes to the treatment of influenza A, amantadine is typically prescribed at a dosage of 200 mg daily or 100 mg twice daily. This regimen should commence within 24 to 48 hours of symptom onset and continue for an additional 24 to 48 hours following symptom resolution.

It is crucial to promptly consult with a healthcare professional if experiencing convulsions (seizures), breathing difficulties, rapid heartbeat, high fever, high or low blood pressure, increased sweating, loss of bladder control, severe muscle stiffness, unusually pale skin, or overwhelming fatigue while taking amantadine.

Individuals with kidney disease should exercise extreme caution and adhere strictly to the recommended amantadine dosage. Deaths have been reported in cases of overdose, even with low doses as low as 1 gram, leading to complications such as heart failure, respiratory failure, kidney failure, and central nervous system dysfunction.

For adults, the usual initial dosage of amantadine consists of 137 milligrams (mg) taken once daily at bedtime. After one week, your doctor may consider increasing the dose to 274 mg, equivalent to two 137 mg capsules, once daily at bedtime. For children, the appropriate dosage should be determined by a healthcare provider.

Abrupt discontinuation of amantadine is discouraged, as it may result in symptoms resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), characterized by elevated body temperatures, muscle rigidity, and altered consciousness. To avoid these potential complications, a gradual tapering of the drug should be conducted under medical supervision.

To treat influenza A, a daily dose of 200 mg of amantadine or 100 mg taken twice daily is recommended. This should be initiated within 24 to 48 hours of symptom onset and continued for an additional 24 to 48 hours after the symptoms have subsided.

Immediate-release amantadine has historically been used in the management of Parkinson’s disease (PD) to mitigate tremors. More recently, it has also demonstrated utility in reducing dyskinesias, which are involuntary movements associated with dopamine medication, offering potential benefits for individuals with PD.

Amantadine, renowned for its antiviral properties, is currently used as a therapeutic approach for managing Parkinson’s disease. Notably, some patients have reported adverse effects, such as cardiac arrhythmias, following the ingestion of amantadine.

Amantadine, marketed as Symmetrel, functions as both an antiviral agent and a medication for Parkinson’s disease (PD). It exhibits a diverse range of pharmacological properties, including acting as a partial dopamine agonist, potentially reducing dopamine reuptake, and possessing antiglutamatergic and anticholinergic characteristics.

Initially effective solely against influenza A viruses, amantadine has encountered resistance from these viruses in recent years. Consequently, its efficacy in combating these flu viruses has diminished, leading to the categorization of amantadine as an antiviral medication.

It is important to be aware that certain nonprescription products can interact with amantadine. These products encompass allergy medications such as diphenhydramine, loratadine, fexofenadine, chlorpheniramine, or cetirizine, along with sleep medications, motion sickness medications, and sodium bicarbonate found in products like Alka-Seltzer and Zegerid.

Research has demonstrated that amantadine, operating through mechanisms that remain partially undisclosed, can occasionally alleviate fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis. The typical dosage for managing fatigue in multiple sclerosis ranges from 100 to 200 mg per day, with an emphasis on morning administration to minimize sleep disturbances.

Amantadine is a versatile medication beneficial in addressing various symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It has the capacity to stimulate increased dopamine release within the brain and can be utilized either as a standalone treatment or in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease.

Among the additional effects of amantadine is the modulation of norepinephrine and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) neurotransmission, impacting both pre- and postsynaptic processes. This suggests potential utility in addressing depression, as explored by Huber TJ, Dietrich DE, and Emrich HM.

Users of amantadine may experience a range of side effects, including blurred vision, nausea, stomach upset, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, constipation, nervousness, or difficulty sleeping. Should any of these effects persist or worsen, consulting a healthcare provider or pharmacist is advisable.

Amantadine exerts its influence on the brain’s striatum by increasing extracellular dopamine levels through both reuptake inhibition and N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonism.

When prescribed amantadine, it is typically administered orally, with or without food, as directed by a healthcare provider. The dosing regimen usually entails once or twice daily intake. If taking the medication twice daily results in sleep disturbances, consider taking the second dose several hours before bedtime.

Abruptly discontinuing amantadine is discouraged due to the potential for inducing symptoms resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). This condition is characterized by elevated body temperatures, rigid muscles, and altered consciousness. A gradual tapering of the drug under medical supervision is advisable when discontinuing amantadine.

In addition to its primary applications, amantadine has shown promise in addressing other conditions. It has been shown to have potential benefits in alleviating symptoms of anxiety, OCD, and depression. Additionally, it appears to enhance neuroplasticity, particularly in individuals with brain injuries, and is generally considered safe for long-term usage.

Notable side effects associated with amantadine use include dizziness, dry mouth, peripheral edema, constipation, falls, and orthostatic hypotension. There have also been reports of urinary tract infections, anxiety, insomnia, with depression reported in approximately 6% of individuals prescribed amantadine, along with instances of suicidal ideation or suicide attempts reported in 2% of cases.