Symmetrel
(amantadine)
Treats Parkinson's disease, the flu, and side effects from antipsychotic drugs.
Our bottom line
Symmetrel (amantadine) is a generic medicine that can be used alone, or with other medicines to treat early Parkinson's disease.
- 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
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
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.
- Drug class: Neuro/psych
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (amantadine)
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Get free coupon$26.66
- Get free coupon$26.66
What to expect when you take Symmetrel (amantadine) for Influenza
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Full effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Higher risk of suicide
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Trouble sleeping
Side effect rates for Symmetrel (amantadine)
Risks and Warnings for Symmetrel (amantadine)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- 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.