Amantadine

Amantadine is a type of antiviral medication that may be prescribed for the treatment of the influenza A virus. The Food and Drug Administration in the United States approved amantadine for the treatment of the influenza A virus in 1966.FDA: Influenza (Flu) Antiviral Drugs and Related Information

In 1969, researchers discovered amantadine's ability to act as an anidyskinetic. Consequently, amantadine is used to treat Parkinson's disease, although candidates for amantadine use must be screened for a history of seizures or psychiatric symptoms.MayoClinic.com: Amantadine (Oral Route) Canadian Medical Association Journal: Amantadine-HCl (Symmetrel)... (July 10, 1971)

• Molecular mass: 151.249 g/mol
• Protein binding: 67%
• Metabolism: Negligible
• Half life: 10-14 hours

• Fatigue in multiple sclerosisNational MS Society: Amantadine
• InfluenzaNational MS Society: Amantadine
• Parkinson's diseaseNational MS Society: Amantadine

Amantadine has also been reported to provide relief to ADHD sufferers (through increased dopamine), and is occasionally used to provide relief from the sexual side effects of SSRIs.Medical Memo: A Fresh Look At Medicines for ADHD

• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Fainting
• Can rarely cause suicidal ideation and was implicated as the major fatal factor in completed suicidesSymmetrel.com: [http://www.symmetrel.com/PDF/symmetrel_pack_insert.pdf Pack InsertPDF

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a doctor for information on amantadine.

• Buzzwatch (WSJ): Buzz Links: Flu-Drug Amantadine Gets Noticed in 'House'... (May 20, 2008)