How does Amantrel (Amantadine) work:

Amantrel (Amantadine) is prescribed for the treatment of influenza and for its prophylaxis. More over it is indicated in the treatment of idiopathic Parkinson, post encephalitic Parkinson and drug-induced extrapyramidal reactions. Amantrel is an antiviral medication, containing amantadine hydrochloride, which helps inhibit the influenza, a virus from spreading to other cells in the body. It can help shorten the symptoms. In order to be most effective, it is necessary to start the treatment within the first two or three days that the symptoms appear.

Dosage & Administration:

For the treatment of influenza the dosage will be 100 mg twice a day. Normally it is given each day for the time of 5 days. Amantrel can also be given as a prophylaxis in a single dosage of 100 mg daily. A prophylaxis-dose can be given for as long as protection is necessary (commonly up to 6-weeks).
For the therapy of medication-caused parkinson adverse reactions, amantadine normally is given orally in a dosage of 100 mg (two times daily). Rather rare, but a few people might need an entire daily dosage of 300 mg. Please follow the instructions of your physician.

Side Effects:

As it is with any other medications, Amantrel may cause certain side effects in the consumer. In case you should experience the following adverse reaction, please contact your physician for medical advice:

• Insomnia
• Ankle oedema
• Dizziness
• Nightmare
• Dry mouth
• Convulsions
• Skin discolouration

Further let your medical advisor know if you have any of the following:

• A psychiatric disorder or a history of substance abuse
• Congestive heart failure (CHF)
• Kidney disease
• Glaucoma
• Seizures or epilepsy

Precautions:

Amantadine can cause a life-threatening condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Some symptoms of NMS include:

• A high fever
• Stiff muscles
• Confusion
• Irregular pulse or blood pressure
• A fast heart rate (tachycardia)
• Sweating
• An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)

Immediately tell your medical advisor if you think you have this condition called NMS.

Since a couple of Parkinson Patients experienced a parkinsonian crisis, when they stopped taking Amantadine, patients never should abruptly abandon this medication. Abrupt discontinuation may also cause agitation, paranoid reaction, stupor, anxiety, delusion, hallucination, depression and slurred speech.

Further Advice:

Avoid driving or operating any heavy machine. More over it is advised to avoid excessive alcohol usage. Alcohol usage may be responsible for effects such as confusion, dizziness and lightheadedness. Further it is recommended to get up slow from a sitting or lying position.

Please let your medical advisor know if you are pregnant or if you are thinking of becoming pregnant or if you are breastfeeding.