General English name: Amantadine
Application: Parkinson’s disease
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Amantadine Medication Information
Medication Information: Amantadine is used to treat Parkinson’s. However, it is also prescribed for some other diseases. Parkinson’s disease affects the way the brain coordinates with muscle movements. In this disease, a number of brain cells in the brain are damaged and die. These brain cells (dopaminergic neurons) transmit the message from the nerves to the spinal cord by producing a chemical called dopamine, which controls the movement of the body’s muscles. When these brain cells are damaged, the amount of dopamine produced decreases.
A combination of depletion of brain cells and low levels of dopamine in cells in this part of the brain slows down and abnormal nerve signals to muscles; These are the main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, namely stiffness, shaking (shaking) and slowness of movement.
Amantadine is also prescribed for certain types of nerve pain. If this medicine is given to you for this reason, talk to your doctor about how to treat it.
Contraindications to the use of the drug Amantadine
Pay attention to the expiration date of amantadine and do not take it if it has expired.
Never give amantadine to anyone else, even if you have the same symptoms.
Be aware of amantadine drug interactions, and be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking other medications so that your medications do not interact.
Blurred vision is a side effect of amantadine, so be careful when driving or do not drive as much as possible.
Amantadine drug interaction
Drug interactions may alter drug performance and increase the risk of serious side effects. Do not change the dose of your medicine without consulting your doctor or stop taking the medicine.
Amantadine should not be used with the following medication, as very serious interactions may occur: “Nasal inhaled flu vaccine”
If you are currently taking the “nasal inhaled flu vaccine”, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting amantadine.
Make a list of all the medicines (including prescription / over-the-counter medicines and herbal products) you use and share them with your doctor and pharmacist, especially medicines such as anticholinergics (such as atropine), antihistamines ( For example, diphenhydramine, certain psychotropic drugs (phenothiazines such as thorazine), quinidine, quinine, stimulants (such as caffeine, and anticonvulsants commonly found in cough and cold medicines). , Triamterene / hydrochlorothiazide, trimethoprim / sulfamethoxazole.
Tips to consider before taking amantadine
Some medications are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and some medications may be prescribed if additional treatment is needed; Therefore, it is best for your doctor to know the following before taking amantadine:
- If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
- If you have any cardiovascular problems.
- If you have any liver disease or kidney problems.
- If you have a history of seizures or epilepsy.
- If you have a history of high blood pressure (glaucoma).
- If you have a history of stomach ulcers.
- If you feel confused or delusional.
- If you are taking certain medications. These medicines include all the medicines available, whether you are prescribed them or taking them without a doctor’s prescription, such as herbal medicines and complementary medicines.
- If you have a history of an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Possible side effects of Amantadine
All medications can cause side effects; But many consumers also do not experience any side effects. In case of persistent side effects, the doctor should be informed:
Swelling of the ankle, red skin spots
Side effects that occur in only one in ten people:
Decreased appetite, feeling sick, dry mouth, headache, muscle aches, constipation, blurred vision. Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, tired, anxious, mood swings, sleep problems, lack of concentration, slurred speech, rapid heartbeat, sweating, hearing or seeing unreal things (hallucinations)
How to store Amantadine
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Keep the medicine in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.