Has your doctor prescribed amantadine extended-release tablets for you or someone you care about? This medicine is commonly given to help manage movement disorders like Parkinson's disease and other related conditions. Because this specific tablet releases medicine slowly into your body throughout the day, there are several important things you need to know. Let us walk through how to use this medicine safely, what side effects to watch for, and how to protect your health every single day.
Understanding your treatment helps you feel more confident and in control of your daily routine. Let us explore the details in plain, everyday language so you can take your medicine with complete peace of mind.
Key Takeaways
- Always swallow your amantadine extended-release tablets whole with a full glass of water without crushing, chewing, or breaking them.
- Tell your doctor about your complete medical history, including any history of kidney disease, mental health conditions, or heart problems.
- Watch out for sudden sleepiness or dizziness, and avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
- Never stop taking your medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor first, as this can cause unwanted withdrawal symptoms.
- Keep your medicine in a safe, dry place at room temperature away from children and pets.
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What Is Amantadine and How Does It Work?
Simply put, amantadine is a prescription medicine used to control Parkinson's disease and related movement problems. It works by changing certain natural chemicals in your brain that help control muscle movement and coordination. By balancing these chemicals, the medicine helps reduce stiffness and shaking so you can move more easily.
You might receive this medicine under the brand name Osmolex ER or as a generic prescription. Sometimes, doctors also prescribe amantadine for other medical needs. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about why you are taking this specific medicine.
Important Things to Tell Your Doctor Before Starting
Before you take your first dose, sharing your full health history with your doctor is extremely important. Certain health conditions require extra caution when taking amantadine. Make sure to tell your doctor if any of the following apply to you:
- You have depression, schizophrenia, or any other mental health condition.
- You have thoughts of hurting yourself, have tried to do so in the past, or have a family history of self-harm.
- You have a history of seizures, epilepsy, or fits.
- You suffer from kidney disease or impaired kidney function.
- You have heart failure, heart rhythm problems, or low blood pressure.
- You have eye conditions such as glaucoma.
- You experience sleep apnea or severe snoring and breathing pauses during sleep.
- You have skin conditions like eczema or other chronic rashes.
- You regularly drink alcohol or use recreational substances.
- You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or trying to start a family.
- You are breastfeeding or plan to chestfeed your baby.
- You have any known allergies to amantadine, other medicines, foods, or food dyes.
Sharing these details with your doctor ensures you receive the safest and most effective treatment plan tailored specifically for your body.
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Check Availability →How to Take Amantadine Extended-Release Tablets Correctly
Taking your medicine exactly as your doctor prescribed is essential for managing your symptoms safely and effectively.
- Swallow the tablet whole: Drink a full glass of water and swallow the tablet completely. Never cut, crush, chew, or divide the tablet. These extended-release tablets are specially designed to release medicine slowly over hours. Breaking them open releases all the medicine at once, which can cause dangerous side effects.
- With or without food: You can take your medicine with a meal or on an empty stomach. However, if the medicine upsets your stomach, taking it with food or a snack can help.
- Stick to the same time: Try to take your dose at the same time every single day to keep a steady level of medicine in your bloodstream.
- Do not stop abruptly: Never stop taking your medicine on your own. Always follow your doctor's specific guidance if changes to your dose are necessary.
What to Do in Case of an Overdose
If you believe you have taken too much of your medicine, do not wait. Call 911 (US/Canada) or 999 (UK) right away, or go straight to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ER or A&E). An overdose of amantadine can cause severe confusion, hallucinations, irregular heartbeat, or seizures.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you forget to take your scheduled dose, skip that dose completely and wait for your next scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed tablet, as taking extra medicine can lead to harmful side effects.
Things to Watch Out For While Taking Amantadine
While taking this medicine, you should pay close attention to how your body feels and reacts to daily activities.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine can make you feel sleepy or dizzy. Avoid driving, riding a bicycle, or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects your alertness. If you are an older adult, take extra care when standing up from a bed or chair. Stand up slowly to prevent severe dizziness and accidental falls.
- Avoid alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking amantadine can increase your drowsiness and change how the medicine works in your body. It is best to avoid alcohol entirely during your treatment.
- Dry mouth and dry eyes: A dry mouth is a common side effect of this medicine. You can manage this by sipping water often or chewing sugar-free gum. Your eyes might also feel dry. If you wear contact lenses, you might notice extra dryness; ask your doctor about using lubricating eye drops.
- Sudden sleep attacks: In rare cases, amantadine can cause extreme drowsiness that strikes without warning. You might suddenly fall asleep while doing normal daily activities like talking or driving. If you experience this, contact your doctor right away.
- Uncontrollable urges: Some patients notice unusual, intense urges while taking this medicine. These can include gambling, compulsive shopping, binge eating, or heightened sexual urges. If you notice any strange changes in your behavior or desires, tell your doctor as soon as possible.
- Empty tablet shell in stool: Do not be alarmed if you see what looks like a pill in your bowel movements. The outer shell of the extended-release tablet does not dissolve in your stomach. The active medicine is absorbed by your body, and the empty shell passes naturally. This is completely normal and safe.
Side Effects of Amantadine Tablets
Like all medicines, amantadine can cause side effects. Some are mild and go away on their own. This others require prompt medical attention.
| Side Effect Category | Specific Symptoms and Signs |
|---|---|
| Serious Side Effects (Call Doctor Promptly) | Allergic reactions (skin rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue), severe mental changes (confusion, hallucinations, depression, thoughts of self-harm), vision changes, eye pain, sudden sleep attacks, uncontrollable urges, involuntary muscle twitching, or seizures. |
| Common Side Effects (Monitor and Discuss) | Constipation, dry mouth, mild headache, nausea, mild dizziness, and daytime sleepiness. |
When to Call Emergency Services Right away
If you experience severe breathing difficulties, chest pain, sudden fainting, severe allergic reactions, or uncontrollable seizures, call 911 (US/Canada) or 999 (UK) right away, or go to the nearest emergency room.
How to Store Your Medicine Safely
Proper storage keeps your medicine safe and effective throughout its lifespan.
- Keep away from children: Store your medicine in a locked cabinet or high shelf where young children and pets cannot reach it.
- Control the temperature: Keep your tablets at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F) away from moisture and direct heat.
- Keep container tightly closed: Ensure the bottle lid is securely shut after every use.
- Dispose of expired medicine: Safely discard any tablets that have passed their expiration date through local pharmacy take-back programs.
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