Has anyone tried Rimantadine?

[batwing7]

This Rimantandine is similar to Amantadine without the major side effects-according to US pd blogsters who have used it. Both drugs have been around for over forty years so you would have thought it would be used widely in the UK if Rimantadine was safer. Puzzling!

[gettome]

the only data on Rimantadine indicates it is used to treat Influeza A virus.

Amantadine is noted as a PD medication. Can you determine where this information is

published.

[batwing7]

If you carry out a search for this medication alongside Amantadine there is a great deal of info spanning many years. One trial was reported in Feb 1981 by FCHayden in the ncbi.nim.nih. I have asked the question to my neurologist in Oxford and hope he can shed a light the subject.

[compucure in reply to batwing7]

My neurologist is also in Oxford UK. I would be interested in any response you get to your question. Tony

[Pete-1]

Perhaps Rimantadine lost favour as other perhaps newer medication was found to be more efficacious ?

[batwing7]

Yes, one would think there must be a good reason like that!

[dottie]

Rimantadine, a "cousin" of Amantidine is used when the side effects of Amantadine (ankles and feet swelling) get to the point where it's too much to deal with; and the swollen skin is being compromised. Other side effects of Amantadine are skin rash and discoloration of the skin.

I am using Rimantadine because I've been through the Amantadine side effects. When I developed a large "wound" at the base of my toes, I discontinued Amantadine. I have minor swelling now and would say that the Rimantidine, though a little less effacious, works for me.

[batwing7]

Thx Dottie. My local specialist nurse has been in contact with my neuro doctor who has advised me to come off the Amantadine by reducing to 1 x 100 mg a day (from 3 a day) due to the problem of lived reticularsis. This is a pretty quick reduction and knows it will be difficult for me as he can't even prescribe Rimantadine as it is not licensed in the uk! He

apparently informs me that I can order it and take it but it will be at my own risk. He does not come up with anything else but he knows that I am on his list of pwp being considered for DBS obviously when I get too bad with the extra levadopa I am taking now that it is my mono therapy (1000 mg a day). Maybe though I could order Rimantadine from the US to reduce this figure. (???)

[fronya69]

Wow so many replies. Thank you so much!! My movement disorder spec.forgot 2 tell me about any side effects. all he said it helped dyskensia . He had told me it was better than the amantadine. the one dosing he gave me at hosp.(observation) made my dyskensia 3x as bad. And then he got bzy and 4got about me. Im shaking my head. i'm in usa, and it cost 628.00!!!

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