Symmetrel

(amantadine)

Skip to: drug prices sectionSkip to: what to expect sectionSkip to: side effects sectionSkip to: risks and warnings sectionSkip to: common concerns from users and pharmacists
ADVERTISEMENT

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

Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.

Our bottom line

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

Lowest price near you
  • Lowest price with coupon
    $38.79
Find instant savings
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.
Get the newsletter!

Sign up and get Pill Talk, the latest in health & medicine news from Iodine

Get our free fact sheet

What to expect from Symmetrel, on one page

Download Fact Sheet
Tried Symmetrel? Write a review!

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.
Get the newsletter!

Sign up and get Pill Talk, the latest in health & medicine news from Iodine

Get our free fact sheet

What to expect from Symmetrel, on one page

Download Fact Sheet
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

Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.
Prices and coupons for 60 (100mg) capsules of amantadine near
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
See more prices and coupons in your area

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

Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.
  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
  • Effectiveness
  • Full effects
  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
  • Possible side effects
  • Higher risk of suicide
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Trouble sleeping
Skip side effects section. Skip to risks and warnings section.

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.