Symmetrel

(amantadine)

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Treats Parkinson's disease, the flu, and side effects from antipsychotic drugs.

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Symmetrel (amantadine) is a generic medicine that can be used alone, or with other medicines to treat early Parkinson's disease.

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Quick facts about Symmetrel
  • Drug class: Neuro/psych
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (amantadine)

Upsides

  • Symmetrel (amantadine) can be taken by itself or with other medicines to treat the symptoms of early Parkinson's disease, including muscle spasms, tremors, and difficulty with movements.
  • Symmetrel (amantadine) is available in generic and in both a pill and liquid form.
  • Compared to other medicines for Parkinson's disease, the side effects are relatively mild.
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What to expect from Symmetrel, on one page

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Downsides

  • Symmetrel (amantadine) sometimes has to be taken multiple times a day.
  • Symmetrel (amantadine) can’t stop or cure Parkinson's disease. It can only slow down the progression.
  • You can't take certain forms of the flu vaccine if you're taking Symmetrel (amantadine). Talk to your doctor before receiving vaccines.
  • You can't stop taking Symmetrel (amantadine) suddenly without talking to your doctor since your Parkinson's can get worse.
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What to expect from Symmetrel, on one page

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How it works

In Parkinson's disease, Symmetrel (amantadine) is an NMDA receptor inhibitor that raises dopamine levels in the brain, which helps to relieve the symptoms of Parkinson's. For the flu, Symmetrel (amantadine) prevents the flu from making copies of itself.

Quick facts about Symmetrel
  • Drug class: Neuro/psych
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (amantadine)

Used for

Dosage forms

  • Pill
  • Liquid
Tried Symmetrel? Write a review!

Prices and coupons

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What to expect when you take Symmetrel (amantadine) for Influenza

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  • Effectiveness
  • Full effects
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  • Possible side effects
  • Higher risk of suicide
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Trouble sleeping
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Side effect rates for Symmetrel (amantadine)

Risks and Warnings for Symmetrel (amantadine)

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    • Higher risk if:
    • › Kidney damage or failure

    People have died from overdosing on Symmetrel (amantadine). This has happened with relatively small doses, and is more likely if you have kidney problems. Be very careful with how you take Symmetrel (amantadine), especially the liquid version. If you notice your heartbeat change, or you have a very bad headache, talk to your doctor right away.