Amantadine Side Effects

Hallucinations, depression, and allergic reactions are some of the potentially serious side effects of amantadine. However, these side effects are typically minor and either do not require medical attention or are easily treated. You should notify your healthcare provider immediately if you develop any serious side effects. Some of the more common bothersome amantadine side effects include nausea, dizziness, and insomnia.

 

Amantadine Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with amantadine hydrochloride (Symmetrel®). However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with amantadine. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of amantadine side effects with you.)
 

Amantadine Side Effects to Report

Some side effects of amantadine are potentially serious and should be reported to your healthcare provider. Some of these side effects are common, while others are not. Common serious side effects (occurring in 1 to 5 percent of people) include:
 
Less common serious side effects (occurring in less than 1 percent of people) include but are not limited to:
 
  • Congestive heart failure (CHF)
  • Psychosis
  • Difficulty passing urine
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Memory loss (amnesia)
  • Unusual, uncontrollable body movements
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Vision or eye problems
  • Seizures
  • Low white blood cell counts
  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
  • An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a dangerous condition that can include:
 
    • A high fever
    • Stiff muscles
    • Confusion
    • Irregular pulse or blood pressure
    • An increased heart rate (tachycardia)
    • Sweating
    • An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
 
  • Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
 
    • Rash
    • Hives
    • Itching
    • Swelling of the mouth or throat
    • Wheezing
    • Difficulty breathing.
 
(Amantadine Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;