Has your doctor prescribed Amantadine for Parkinson's disease for you or someone in your family? So let's talk briefly about this medication, what it does, how to use it, and what precautions to take. It's important to be well-informed about this type of medication.
What kind of medicine is this?
Amantadine is a medication primarily used to treat Parkinson's disease . It is used to treat dyskinesia , the involuntary movements of the body caused by Parkinson's disease. Simply put, it is used to reduce involuntary movements, such as tremors and shaking.
This medicine is often prescribed in combination with the Parkinson's disease medicines `levodopa` and `carbidopa`. A commonly used brand name for this medicine is `GOCOVRI`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before you start taking this medicine, it is important to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. This information can help determine whether the dose or medicine is right for you.
| Do you have these conditions? | Description |
|---|---|
| Mental health problems | Depression or other mental illnesses. |
| Heart disease | Conditions such as heart failure. |
| Kidney disease | If kidney function is poor. |
| Eye diseases | Glaucoma condition. |
| Low blood pressure | If you have a history of low blood pressure. |
| Convulsion | If you have had seizures before. |
| Sleep problems | Conditions such as sleep apnea or narcolepsy. |
| Thoughts of ending your life | If you or someone in your family has had such thoughts before. |
| Alcohol use | If you are an alcoholic. |
| Pregnancy | If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | If you are breastfeeding your baby. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to amantadine or any other medicines, foods, or dyes. |
How should I use this medicine?
It is very important to follow the exact instructions for using this medicine.
- Swallow this medicine with a glass of water.
- Try to take the medicine at the same time every day.
- You can take it before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset, take it with food.
- Very important: Do not break, crush, or chew this medicine. Swallow the medicine whole. These are Extended-Release, meaning they are a type of medicine that is designed to be absorbed slowly into the body.
- If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule, you can carefully open the capsule, mix the medicine powder in a teaspoon of applesauce, and swallow it all at once. But don't chew the medicine powder at this time.
- Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share this medicine with anyone else.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, skip it. Take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Amantadine can interact with some other medications and alcohol, so tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed, over-the-counter, herbal products, vitamins).
Some things that may interact with this medication are:
- Alcohol
- Some flu vaccines
- Acetazolamide
- Atropine
- Bupropion
- Some medications for allergies, coughs, and colds (antihistamines)
- Some medications for bladder problems (e.g. oxybutynin, tolterodine)
- Some medicines for stomach upset (e.g. dicyclomine, hyoscyamine)
- Quinidine, quinine
- Sodium bicarbonate
This list is not complete, so it's best to inform your doctor about everything you're taking.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
Pay close attention to your body while taking this medicine.
Drowsiness and dizziness
This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy . Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Be careful when getting up from a sitting or standing position, especially if you are elderly. This can reduce the risk of dizziness and falls. Avoid drinking alcohol . Alcohol can change the effects of this medicine.
Falling asleep suddenly
Very important: Sometimes you may suddenly fall asleep without feeling sleepy while doing things like driving, talking, or eating. This is a dangerous situation. If this happens to you, tell your doctor immediately.
Other points
- Dry mouth: If your mouth feels dry, chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water can help.
- Dry eyes and blurred vision: Your eyes may feel dry and your vision may be slightly blurred. If you wear contact lenses, you may experience discomfort. Lubricating drops can be used. If this problem persists, tell your doctor.
- Uncontrollable urges: While taking this medication, some people may experience uncontrollable urges to gamble, engage in sexual activity, or spend money unnecessarily. If you experience any of these changes, tell your doctor right away.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. Some of them can be serious and require immediate attention.
| Side Effects | |
|---|---|
| If you have these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Mental changes | Restlessness, confusion, hallucinations, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts. |
| Unusual movements | Uncontrolled movements of the hands, face, neck, and mouth. |
| Other serious symptoms | Falling asleep while doing normal activities, seizures, vision changes, eye pain, difficulty breathing, swelling of the legs, difficulty urinating. |
| If these symptoms persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Constipation | Dry stomach. |
| Dizziness | Dizziness . |
| Drowsiness | Feeling sleepy all the time. |
| Dry mouth | Drooling in the mouth. |
| Headache | Headache . |
| Nausea | Feeling like vomiting. |
Take-Home Message
- Take Amantadine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the prescribed time. Do not break, crush, or chew the capsules.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you take and all medical conditions you have.
- Be aware of the drowsiness, dizziness, and sudden sleepiness that this medication may cause. Avoid driving until you know how it affects you.
- If you notice unusual changes in your mood, uncontrollable impulses, or any other serious side effects, tell your doctor immediately.
- Never stop taking medication suddenly without medical advice.
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