what is amantadine?

[gvg533]

[scottyt]

google it

[VTmom]

The doctor prescribes Amantadine to me for tremors.....he did also tell me that the body gets accustomed to this med so that you have to "fool" it every so often and reduce the amount you take...then resume.

[ParkinsonSpouse]

Amantadine is the generic name for Symmetrel.

Amantadine was the first PD medicine my husband used. His neurologist told us that it was used for flu prevention or treatment in the 1900's or 1800's I can't remember which. Somewhere through the years it was discovered to help relieve Parkinson symptoms.

My husband was diagnosed with PD when Amantadine improved 80% of his symptoms. (drooling, very slow movement & slow thinking, balance problem, he felt he was twitching on the inside, once in a while his leg twitched, shaky hands (we thought this was essential tremor), slumped shoulders & acting out violent dreams.) All these symptoms disappeared or diminished the first or second week he was on Amantadine. After about 1 1/2 years, he had to stop Amantadine because it was disturbing his sleep. Two or three times a week he'd be awake 26 hours at a stretch...he just couldn't get to sleep.

[scottyt in reply to ParkinsonSpouse]

If you cannot sleep try medical marijuana and its all natural..

[froggatt55]

I have used Amantadine for about 6 years (diagnosed 11 years next June). It was initially to stop my tremor but it didn't do that although it gave - and still gives - me a boost. I am of the opinion that it holds back dyskinesia - and there is much anecdotal evidence on this.

I take it in the morning with my first drug cocktail then at +4 hours. I am always at my best in the morning and afternoon so have thought about taking it 3 times a day but I have enough trouble sleeping ............

[windwsprer in reply to froggatt55]

I take Amantadine in the morning but thought it supposed to be 12 hours apart. Hmm. Just read the label, it just says twice a day. Maybe that's worsening my sleeping. As things are now, I do not become really functional/awake enough to do much until an hour so so after my 2nd dopamine dose. The day passes me by. I'll ck with my neurologist. So glad I found you here. Thank you.

[froggatt55 in reply to windwsprer]

Hi Windwsprer ( I like your chosen name)

Sorry to be so ,long in responding. Amantadine is an anti-viral drug that is also used for Parkinson's. I take mine 4 hours apart and it helps give me a boost both morning and afternoon (it is used for chronic fatigue in multiple sclerosis) AND I do believe it holds back dyskinesia

Strangely enough I have not had a cold for several years but recently have had a stinker which has lasted over a week

[Dennis]

Parkinson...sounds like I have the same symptons as your husband.

[rtag]

I don't think it is entirely understood how amantadine actually works to treat PD symptoms as it wasn't initially developed for PD - it's benefits were kind of stumbled upon. I think it acts on the neurotransmitters. I did find this article on it's effects on norepinephrine, adrenaline and dopamine. Strangely it seems to decrease dopamine, and increase norepinephrine, but also decreases adrenaline. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/201...

[windwsprer in reply to rtag]

Just checked out the link. Very interesting. Thanks.

[fronya69]

Hi everyone- i have been using Amantadine for about 11/2 years. It helps with my dyskinesia. It was used 4 the flu in the 1900's. It has other relatives also used for the flu, and some dr.'s prescribe it 4 parkinsons. There r also some cousins in the family. Riamantadine, and Adamantadine. they also r used for the flu, like amantadine. I take 150mg. in am, and 100 mg. in pm. They r the bitterest med. iv'e had 2 take. Yuck! Peace out. Fronya

[pedserv]

I take it for arm tremor - 3 years, still effective; 100mg in am & 100mg after dinner. So far, so good.