Amantadine
TweetAmantadine hydrochloride is designated chemically as 1-adamantanamine hydrochloride. Its molecular weight is 187.71 with a molecular formula C10H18NCl. Amantadine has been shown to relieve SSRI-induced anorgasmia in some people, though not in all people.
Amantadine is effective in reducing severity or abolishing drug-induced extrapyramidal reactions including parkinsonism syndrome, dystonia and akathisia. It is not effective in the management of tardive dyskinesia. Amantadine is useful as an adjunct in patients who do not tolerate optimal doses of levodopa alone or in combined therapy with a decarboxylase inhibitor. In these patients, the addition of amantadine may result in better control of Parkinson's syndrome and may help to smooth out fluctuations in performance.
Antiparkinson
While the mechanism of action of amantadine in the treatment of Parkinson's syndrome and drug-induced extrapyramidal reactions is not known, it is believed to release brain dopamine from nerve endings making it more available to activate dopaminergic receptors. The drug does not possess anticholinergic activity in animal tests at doses similar to those used clinically.
Possible use of amantadine in depression
Amantadine, originally used in the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza infection, has also proved beneficial in drug-induced Parkinsonism, Parkinson's disease, traumatic head injury, dementia, multiple sclerosis and cocaine withdrawal. Amantadine appears to act through several pharmacological mechanisms, none of which has been identified as the one chief mode of action. It is a dopaminergic, noradrenergic and serotonergic substance, blocks monoaminoxidase A and NMDA receptors, and seems to raise beta-endorphin/beta-lipotropin levels.
Precautions:
Amantadine should not be discontinued abruptly since a few patients with Parkinson's syndrome experienced a parkinsonian crisis, i.e., sudden marked clinical deterioration, when this medication was suddenly stopped.
Amantadine has been shown to be embryotoxic and teratogenic in rats at 50 mg/kg/day, approximately 12 times the recommended human dose, but not at 37 mg/kg/day. Embryotoxic and teratogenic drug effects were not seen in rabbits that received up to 25 times the recommended human dose.
Drug interactions:
The dose of anticholinergic drugs or of amantadine should be reduced if atropine-like effects appear when these drugs are used concurrently.
Careful observation is required when amantadine is administered concurrently with CNS stimulants.
Sometimes crying or laughing
are the only options left,
and laughing feels better right now.
Current Issue
Self Help Leaflets Take the help of our self help leaflets or booklets. |
The DG Magazine All about living with depression |
Alphabatical list of Medicines
A || B || C || D || E || F || G || H || I || J || K || L || M || N || O || P || Q || R || S || T || U || V || W || X || Y || Z
NIMH Medications Booklet- Part I
NIMH Medications Booklet- Part II: Index of Mental Health Medications.
Children's Medications Chart
Cymbalta sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.
Cymbalta and weight gain
Cymbalta loss weight
Cymbalta and ocd
Cymbalta for depression
Cymbalta duloxetine
Cymbalta and fibromyalgia
Bipolar disorder trileptal
Trileptal side effects
Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine
Dextroamphetamine
Clomipramine side effects
Mirtazapine side effects