Amantadine

Amantadine is used to treat Parkinson's disease and conditions similar to those of Parkinson's disease. It also is used to prevent and treat respiratory infections caused by influenza A virus. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Amantadine comes as a capsule and liquid to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take amantadine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking amantadine without talking to your doctor. If this medication causes insomnia (difficulty sleeping), take the last dose several hours before bedtime.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Amantadine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

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blurred vision</li>
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dizziness</li>
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lightheadedness</li>
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faintness</li>
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trouble sleeping</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience any of the following side effects, call your doctor immediately:

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depression or anxiety</li>
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swelling of the hands, legs, or feet</li>
<li>
difficulty urinating</li>
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shortness of breath</li>
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rash</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking amantadine, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to amantadine or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially benztropine (Cogentin), hydrochlorothiazide with triamterene (Maxzide, Dyazide), medication for depression, other medication for Parkinson's disease, medication for spasms of the stomach or intestines, stimulants, trihexyphenidyl (Artane), and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have epilepsy or any other type of seizures, or have ever had heart, kidney, or liver disease, heart failure, low blood pressure, recurring skin rash, or mental illness. this medicine may cause blurred vision; be careful when driving or doing things requiring alertness.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.