Symmetrel (Amantadine)

What is Generic Symmetrel?

Generic Symmetrel has an active ingredient Amantadine. Symmetrel provides effective action on basic features of Parkinson's syndrome, akinesia, rigidity, tremor and bradyphrenia. It improves mood, normalize the facial expressions and reduces hypersalivation and greasiness of the face. Improvement in patients usually occurs within 24-48 hours or at least in a week. The optimum effect is achieved after a few days or 2-3 weeks of starting treatment. The preparation has a specific activity against influenza A virus by inhibiting and blocking the penetration of the virus into the cell.

The mechanism of the pharmacological effect of Amantadine in Parkinson's disease is not completely clear. The drug induces dopamine reuptake. It also exhibits the properties of weak NMDA-receptor antagonists and reduces excretion of acetylcholine from the striatum. Prophylactic and therapeutic effect of Amantadine while influenza - A is associated with exposure to the viral M2 protein or braking the process of applications of the virus.

In what kind of disease treatment Symmetrel is helpful?

Amantadine belongs to anti-Parkinsonian drugs. It is used in Parkinson's disease, extrapyramidal syndrome that developed after consumption of classical neuroleptics, treatment of influenza - A, vascular Parkinsonism, muscle weakness in multiple sclerosis, to speed up the recovery process after traumatic brain injury, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, sexual dysfunction caused by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tardive dyskinesia.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take Symmetrel?

Inform your doctor about every serious illness that you ever had, such as hallucinatory and epileptic states, severe diseases of the kidneys and liver or if you are pregnant especially if it is first 3 months of pregnancy.

How should I take Generic Symmetrel?

Take Symmetrel during the meals to avoid the bowel problems. Don’t change the dosage by yourself!

Dosage information

Dosage: 100 - 200 mg per day, divided into several doses (available in 100 mg capsules.).

Adults initially take Symmetrel 1 capsule per day, preferably in the morning or during the day for 4-7 days or the first 2 weeks. Then, the dosage should be increased to 2 capsules a day. In exceptional cases, the maintenance daily dose is increased to 3 capsules per day (1 capsule three times a day). At the end of the treatment the dose should be gradually reduced as the sudden cancellation of it can lead to an exacerbation of the disease.

Treatment and prevention of influenza with Symmetrel should start as early as possible and last for at least 1 week. In these cases normal dose is 1 capsule 2 times a day.

Children from 1 year to 5 years are usually given 1/2 capsules per day; from 5 to 9 years - 1 capsule per day; 9 and older - 1 capsule 2 times a day.

What may interact with Generic Symmetrel?

Most doctors recommended in the treatment of Parkinson's disease to combine Amantadine with Levodopa. The drug has less effect on motor symptoms, bradykinesia, disorders of the autonomic nervous system, postural hypotension, depression, bladder dysfunction. Good results are noticed if in the early stages of the disease take Amantadine with Selegiline.

During the treatment try not drink herbal teas, alcohol, vitamins and flu medications. Avoid sudden movements.

What Should I watch for while taking Symmetrel?

The drug may reduce seizure activity.

There is evidence indicating that Amantadine efficiency lasts only for 6-12 months. This may be due to the fact that the effect of Amantadine is lost with disease progression.

Symmetrel is excreted from the body by the kidneys so patients with kidney disease are recommended to take lower doses. It is contraindicated in patients with renal insufficiency. Sometimes during the Amantadine treatment is occurred blotchy rash on the skin (livedo reticularis) which is accompanied by edema of the lower extremities.

Although such skin symptoms are only a cosmetic defect some patients stop taking Amantadine when they appear.

What side effects may I notice from Generic Symmetrel?

Side effects of Amantadine are usually mild. Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract are not typical. Mental disorders are rare and likely to be associated with anticholinergic effects of the drug. The following effects are noticed: nausea, dizziness, double vision, depression, anxiety, dry mouth, constipation, peripheral edema, orthostatic hypotension, nervousness and headache occur more often.

Where can I keep Generic Symmetrel?

The drug should be stored at a temperature no higher than 25 ° in the inaccessible to children place. Because of the high humidity of the room don’t store drugs in the bathroom and protect from sunlight.