Amantadine

Amantadine is often prescribed to help people who have the flu, Parkinson's disease, or certain side effects that are caused by other medications. This medication is typically taken once or twice a day. While most people tolerate the drug well, side effects can include insomnia, dizziness, and nausea. Before taking amantadine, tell your healthcare provider about all other medications you are taking.

 

What Is Amantadine?

Amantadine hydrochloride (Symmetrel®) is a prescription medication approved for the following uses:
 
  • Preventing and treating certain types of the flu
  • Treating Parkinson's disease and other similar conditions
  • Treating certain side effects of other medications, known as "extrapyramidal symptoms" (such as movement disorders caused by antipsychotic medications).
     
(Click What Is Amantadine Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Side Effects of Amantadine

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with amantadine. 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 can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of amantadine include but are not limited to:
 
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Insomnia.
     
(Click Amantadine Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
(Amantadine Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
List of references (click here)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;