Why is this drug prescribed?

This drug contains the active ingredient amantadine hydrochloride, which is a drug used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It is also used in the prevention and treatment of influenza A, and in certain cases of shingles. Dopamine is a chemical in the brain known to be absent or reduced in people with Parkinson's disease. Amantadine is thought to increase the release of dopamine in the brain. By increasing dopamine release, amantadine has a mild effect against some of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease such as tremor and rigidity. However, after a period of time, many people observe a reduction in the effect achieved from the same dose and therefore its use may be limited. Sometimes the effectiveness can be restored if use of the drug is stopped for a period of time and then restarted. Amantadine is often used in combination with other drugs for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Amantadine syrup is also used in the prevention and treatment of flu caused by infection with the influenza A virus. The exact method of action in this capacity is not clear, however, amantadine is thought to inhibit the early stage of replication of the influenza A virus. It can be given to treat people suffering from flu in whom complications may develop, and to prevent flu in people at particular risk. This can include people with chronic lung disease or debilitating conditions, the elderly, the immunosuppressed and those living in crowded conditions. It can also be used to control influenza outbreaks in families where one member has been diagnosed, or in institutions, eg nursing homes, and to prevent infection of people in essential services, eg healthcare workers, who are unvaccinated or cannot be vaccinated against influenza A. Amantadine is also used to treat elderly and physically weak people with shingles in whom the doctor suspects that a severe and painful rash may occur. Amantadine is used to reduce the likelihood of this. It is not fully understood how amantadine works in this situation.

Treatments

* Parkinson's disease * Prevention and treatment of influenza A * Shingles

What side effects can this drug cause?

* Headache * Blurred vision * Difficulty in sleeping * Swelling of the legs and ankles due to excess fluid retention * Depression * Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain * Seizures * False perceptions of things that are not really there * Awareness of your heartbeat * Dizziness * Loss of appetite * A drop in blood pressure that occurs when going from lying down to sitting or standing, which results in dizziness and lightheadedness * Shaky movements and unsteady walk * Concentration difficulties * Nervousness * Slurred speech * Red blotchy spots on the skin