Amantadine: Has anyone had experience with... - My MSAA Community

My MSAA Community

8,915 members20,600 posts

Amantadine

Linda3579 profile image
58 Replies

Has anyone had experience with this drug.

I started it for my extreme fatigue, but am feeling

pretty awful. Very tired, a bit dizzy and nauseous. I’m wondering if it’s a drug you need to get use to? Thanks, Linda

Written by
Linda3579 profile image
Linda3579
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
58 Replies
Royjr profile image
Royjr

I don’t know about that, but I guess all drugs have some side effects. Amantadine for me really didn’t do much, it was a pretty weak drug. I was prescribed the drug provigal and that helped with my tiredness.

Everything you stated is listed as Common side effects. I would notify my doc to let them know and maybe they can give you something else.

Linda3579 profile image
Linda3579 in reply to Royjr

Thank you Roy.

Iona60 profile image
Iona60

It didn't really help me and it kept me awake at night. If it makes you feel bad, I agree with Roy and if ask for something else. We don't need any help to feel bad.

Linda3579 profile image
Linda3579 in reply to Iona60

You are so right about that! Thanks for your reply.

Doubled51 profile image
Doubled51

Amantadine never did anything for me. I was prescribed modafinil for fatigue and it’s much better.

Donnie

Doubled51 profile image
Doubled51 in reply to Doubled51

I have to add that I still take amantadine and the modafinil(pro vigil). I take 200 mg modafinil and neuro doubled amantadine last visit. But honestly the last month or so neither have helped.

Donnie

Linda3579 profile image
Linda3579 in reply to Doubled51

Thanks Donnie. I appreciate your replies. I’m sorry you are also dealing with this life altering fatigue.

Doubled51 profile image
Doubled51 in reply to Linda3579

Same to you. It’s absolutely the worst problem for me. Hope you find something that works.

Donnie

Iona60 profile image
Iona60 in reply to Doubled51

Did you still have enough energy to go deer hunting?

Doubled51 profile image
Doubled51 in reply to Iona60

Absolutely the worst year I’ve ever had. I went 2 Times and probably spent a total of 4 hrs in the woods. But my 8 year old grandson was with me one time which lasted 35 mins before he was ready to go because we had t seen any deer yet.😂😂😂

Donnie

Iona60 profile image
Iona60 in reply to Doubled51

Is the moral, 1)don't take your grandson, or 2) 35 minutes is long enough. Ha!

Doubled51 profile image
Doubled51 in reply to Iona60

As cold as it was that morning I didn’t complain.😇😇

Donnie

Birdymom3 profile image
Birdymom3 in reply to Doubled51

If your like me the cold is much better than hot weather.

Linda3579 profile image
Linda3579 in reply to Doubled51

I’m sorry. I know how frustrating this it Is to be so tired all the time.

Doubled51 profile image
Doubled51 in reply to Linda3579

Definetely frustrating. I’m sorry for all of us that have to deal with this fatigue. Especially trying to keep up with an 8 year old grandson.😂😂

Donnie

MS_Indestructible profile image
MS_Indestructible in reply to Doubled51

fatigue is my worse symptom as well. take modafinil 200mg also but I have to be careful because I take adderall as well. ~terry

Linda3579 profile image
Linda3579 in reply to MS_Indestructible

Yes, we need to be careful and pay attention, taking all these big drugs. Sometimes I just feel desperate to get some energy.

Doubled51 profile image
Doubled51 in reply to Linda3579

I def know what you mean about the desperation. Sometimes we just have to do what we have to to make it.

Donnie

Wizardsmom profile image
Wizardsmom

Provigel (Or modafanil) has helped me a ton. I am with Roy. You really should tell your doctor about your side effects and maybe he/she can change it.

Linda3579 profile image
Linda3579

Thank you for your reply. I do want to try modafanil again. It was helping me but I got depressed on it so my doctor took me off. I will talk with him Monday. Thank you!

Iona60 profile image
Iona60 in reply to Linda3579

Honestly, coffee helps me as much as either provigil or amantadine.

MS_Indestructible profile image
MS_Indestructible in reply to Iona60

I sometimes take a caffeine tablet of 200mg I can get at the dollar store. ~terry

Iona60 profile image
Iona60 in reply to MS_Indestructible

That's a great idea! I think that may be less caffeine than coffee or tea.

suznj325 profile image
suznj325

Linda--your question is SO timely! My Neuro prescribed Amantadine for my fatigue at the appointment TODAY !! I was going to look it up--came to this forum before doing that... and the first thing I saw.. "Amantadine"!!! She also mentioned Provigel, if the other doesn't help.

So, thanks for your question & thanks to those who responded!!

Suzn

Linda3579 profile image
Linda3579 in reply to suznj325

I hope it works for you. I’ve read some good things about it. It doesn’t seem to agree with me so far. Thanks for responding. Linda

StacyHayward profile image
StacyHayward

I’ve been on amantadine forever. I remember trying provigil and being super nauseous. I can’t remember how I felt when I started amantadine.

Sometimes I know it’s effective. Other times I can’t tell. I still get tired. Just last week my neuro brought up doubling it. Haven’t tried that yet.

callyo60 profile image
callyo60 in reply to StacyHayward

you cant take it all the time it looses its effectiveness,take it only in flareups

StacyHayward profile image
StacyHayward in reply to callyo60

I’m instructed to take it daily.

callyo60 profile image
callyo60 in reply to StacyHayward

my neurologist told me to take only when i was feeling a flare up coming on,he said it wouldn't be as effective taking it daily,some drs. tell patents to take it daily ,cause its easier to tell us take daily and the drug companies get more money.if i took everything the dr. told me to id probably be dead,i research everything

Linda3579 profile image
Linda3579 in reply to callyo60

Thanks Cally.

StacyHayward profile image
StacyHayward in reply to callyo60

I do research as well and so far have been very happy with my neuro and the treatment path he’s suggested. I’ve never felt money was a driving factor.

callyo60 profile image
callyo60 in reply to StacyHayward

great i loved mine too but he quit on me,i trying out a new one not real pleased yet time will tell

Angeline79 profile image
Angeline79

Amantadine never did anything for me. The best thing for fatigue is rest. But when you have to be up and focused provigil worked as long as you didn

Angeline79 profile image
Angeline79

Take it back to back. Provigil works for every 3 days or so.

Linda3579 profile image
Linda3579 in reply to Angeline79

Thank you Angeline. I really appreciate your response. Linda

Booda profile image
Booda

Well, neither Amantadine or Provigil has helped with my fatigue. The good thing is I found no side effects with either. Anyone have any other suggestions?

Linda3579 profile image
Linda3579 in reply to Booda

Thanks for your reply. Linda

Wizardsmom profile image
Wizardsmom in reply to Booda

My neuropsychcologist recommends "rest breaks". She says when you have an injured brain these help. Take 5 to 10 minutes 3 or 4 times a day and use relaxation techniques. It really does help. Schedule it in if you have to. Give it a try.

Linda3579 profile image
Linda3579 in reply to Wizardsmom

I will give it a good try. Thank you very much. It makes sense. I really appreciate some non drug strategies. 🙏

callyo60 profile image
callyo60

iithink its great it keeps me off steroids without much side effects cept constipation,,you just take it for a few days till u feel stronger, than go off of it until you start feeling bad again,it is also a anti viral and may keep you from getting flu,Amantidine best medicine ive got,dont take it after 2;00 pm or it may keep you awake,and don't take it all the time as it will stop working,god bless

Linda3579 profile image
Linda3579 in reply to callyo60

Thank you Cally. 🙏

Midgey_Midge06 profile image
Midgey_Midge06

I used to take Concerta for ADD it helped with fatigue when i got diagnosed with MS but my insurance stopped covering it so now i take Nuvigil.

Any of the ADD meds r great for fatigue but u have to be diagnosed with ADD or ADHD and get from a primary doctor.

Linda3579 profile image
Linda3579 in reply to Midgey_Midge06

Thank you Midgey.

WAshingtongirl profile image
WAshingtongirl

I used amantadibe for fatigue about 20yrs ago. I had no side effects and it worked for about 2yrs. I was then changed to provigil. That kept my head/mind awake/spinning while my body wanted to drop right where it was—anywhere—to sleep. My fatigue today is worse than it has ever been. I take Ritalin. It helps me push through the morning fatigue. I crash around 1-2pm and i’ve Just come to accept that even if I could push through physical or mental tasks longer, it would be detrimental to do so in the long run. I hope you find something that works for you. 💕

Linda3579 profile image
Linda3579 in reply to WAshingtongirl

Hi Tutu, Thank you for your reply. I know exactly what you mean about the provigil feeling of being wired and exhausted at the same time. I think your point about acceptance is well made. Wishing you the best.💕💕. Linda

Doubled51 profile image
Doubled51 in reply to Linda3579

I think that’s where I’m at now. Brain says go but body says no.😋😋

Donnie

cassielynn71 profile image
cassielynn71

I was on it for a few months for the same. However, it did absolutely nothing toward keeping me going. I didn't have any side effects but everyone is different. I'm now on Ritalin which is great for the 3-5 hours that it lasts. Period. Sadly, when it's done, it's done. Good luck :)

Linda3579 profile image
Linda3579

Thank you for your reply. I think I’ll ask my neuro about Ritalin. Linda

BigMar7 profile image
BigMar7

I took Amantidine when I was first diagnosed many years ago, quit taking it a few years ago, and haven’t missed it at all so I guess it didn’t work for me. I have learned to pace myself, I take 10 minute breaks If necessary. 😀

Linda3579 profile image
Linda3579

Thanks for your reply. Linda

kdali profile image
kdali

It works for me and I have zero side effects. I wish it worked better, but I'll take it.

Linda3579 profile image
Linda3579

I glad it is agreeing with you. Thanks for your response. 😊

kdali profile image
kdali in reply to Linda3579

I do take something with caffeine with both doses, and I'm trying out a light box now.

Linda3579 profile image
Linda3579

That’s a good idea! Thanks

REDLIPS44 profile image
REDLIPS44

I took it did nothing for me but everyone is different as you know.

Linda3579 profile image
Linda3579

Yes, that’s so true. Thanks for your reply.

TheBillLarson profile image
TheBillLarson

I've been on it for about 3 months. I don't have major issues like feeling worse with it but it doesn't always work either. Sometimes the fatigue is just too strong but thankfully for me it is mostly effective. A conversation with your doctor to address your concerns would be wise. I know my neurologist said it works for some but not for all. You might be one of those that it doesn't work for. 🙁

Linda3579 profile image
Linda3579

Thank you Bill. I appreciate your reply. I’m glad you are having some success with it. Best to you, Linda

You may also like...

Symmetrel (Amantadine)

Hello to All, Has anyone taken the drug Amantadine, brand name Symmetrel, to treat MS fatigue? I’ve...

Ms drugs =Cancer drugs?

all ms drugs are old cancer drugs, makes sense ,since the both affect B and T cells,has anyone else...

First-Line Rituximab Bests Other MS Drugs in Sweden

First-Line Rituximab Bests Other MS Drugs in Sweden Click https://www.medpagetoday.com/neurology/mu

Drug rebate changes increase $ to patient

politico.com/story/2019/01/31/trump-prescription-drugs-pricing-1140795

Leg heaviness after first half Ocrevus

Discontinuing this drug. Has anybody had leg heaviness from this drug? I never had it before? It...