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medicationControlled

Amantadine

Also known as: Symmetrel, Gocovri

Chemical structure of Amantadine (PubChem CID 2130)
Structure via PubChem
Half-life
15 h
Typical timing
morning
Food rule
either
Default unit
mg

Studied for

Overview

Amantadine is a prescription medication available orally, primarily known for its antiviral properties against influenza A and its role in treating Parkinson's disease and drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms. It is also used to manage dyskinesia associated with levodopa therapy in Parkinson's disease patients. Originally approved as an antiviral, its use in influenza has declined due to widespread viral resistance. Chemically, amantadine is a tricyclic amine. It acts on the central nervous system through multiple mechanisms, making it useful for neurological disorders. It is commonly studied for its effects on motor control and cognitive functions in Parkinson's disease. Amatadine is typically taken by mouth, often once or twice daily depending on the specific formulation and condition being treated. It is a controlled medication, and its use requires a licensed clinician's prescription and oversight.

Deep dive

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Known interactions

  • Category rule: supplement × medication
    Note

    Some supplements change how the body processes medications (absorption, liver enzymes, or additive effects).

    Specific pairs are checked against a licensed drug database and shown with their own severity. Always confirm with your provider or pharmacist.

  • Category rule: vitamin × medication
    Note

    Certain vitamins interact with specific medications (e.g., vitamin K with blood thinners).

    Specific pairs are checked against a licensed source; confirm with your provider.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Caution

    Amantadine can cause orthostatic hypotension; adding an ACE inhibitor may drop blood pressure further, especially on standing.

    Watch for dizziness on standing. Rise slowly. Report lightheadedness or fainting to your clinician.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Caution

    Amantadine plus a calcium-channel blocker can additively lower blood pressure and cause dizziness or ankle swelling.

    Monitor BP at home. Rise slowly. Tell your clinician if you feel lightheaded.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Caution

    Both drugs can lower heart rate and blood pressure. Combining raises risk of bradycardia, dizziness, and falls.

    Check pulse and BP at home. Report a resting pulse under 55 or dizziness.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Caution

    Amantadine is CNS-stimulating; adding caffeine can worsen insomnia, jitteriness, anxiety, and elevated blood pressure.

    Keep caffeine modest (≤200 mg/day) and avoid it after noon while on amantadine.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Caution

    Both lower seizure threshold and are dopaminergic. Combined use raises seizure and CNS-stimulation risk.

    Use together only under a prescriber. Report tremor, agitation, or any seizure activity immediately.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Caution

    Rare reports of serotonin/NMS-like reactions when amantadine is combined with serotonergic drugs.

    Watch for confusion, high fever, muscle rigidity, or shivering — seek urgent care if they appear.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Caution

    St Johns wort is serotonergic and CNS-active; theoretical additive stimulation with amantadine.

    Avoid combining unless cleared by your clinician.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Caution

    PDE5 inhibitors lower blood pressure; amantadine can add orthostatic hypotension.

    Rise slowly; monitor BP. Report dizziness or fainting.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Caution

    PDE5 inhibitors lower blood pressure; amantadine can add orthostatic hypotension.

    Rise slowly; monitor BP. Report dizziness or fainting.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Caution

    PDE5 inhibitors lower blood pressure; amantadine can add orthostatic hypotension.

    Rise slowly; monitor BP. Report dizziness or fainting.

Frequently asked

Sources referenced

* U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Prescribing Information * European Medicines Agency (EMA) Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) * Mayo Clinic Patient Monograph * MedlinePlus * Cochrane Library * DrugBank * PubChem * Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Stackwise compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician.

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Related benefits

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