Symmetrel (Amantadine): Quick Guide
If you’ve seen the name Symmetrel on a prescription bottle, you’re probably wondering what it does and whether it’s right for you. Symmetrel is the brand name for amantadine, a drug that was first approved to fight the flu but is now more famous for easing Parkinson’s symptoms. Below you’ll get the basics – why it’s prescribed, how to take it, what to watch out for, and a few handy tips for everyday life.
How Symmetrel Works and Who Needs It
Amantadine belongs to a class called antiviral‑dopaminergic agents. In the flu, it blocks a viral protein, stopping the virus from spreading inside cells. That antiviral action isn’t the main reason doctors prescribe it today because newer flu drugs are more effective. The real star power of Symmetrel is its dopamine‑boosting effect. Parkinson’s disease is linked to low dopamine in the brain, and amantadine helps increase dopamine release while blocking its re‑uptake. The result? Less shaking, smoother movements, and sometimes relief from medication‑induced dyskinesia (those unwanted jerky movements).
Doctors may also use Symmetrel for restless‑leg syndrome, certain brain injuries, or to reduce fatigue in multiple sclerosis. If you have any of these conditions, ask your doctor whether amantadine could fit into your treatment plan.
Safe Use: Dosage, Side Effects & Interactions
Typical adult dosing for Parkinson’s starts at 100 mg once or twice a day. Some patients need up to 200 mg twice daily, but the dose is always personalized. For flu prevention (which is rare now), the dose is usually 200 mg once a day for a short course. Take Symmetrel with food or a glass of water to lower stomach upset.
Common side effects are mild and include dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, and light‑headedness. A small number of people notice a “flushing” feeling or a mild skin rash. If you experience dizziness, especially when standing up, it could be a sign of low blood pressure – get up slowly and let your doctor know.
Serious but rare reactions involve confusion, hallucinations, or severe skin reactions. Anyone with a history of kidney problems needs special dose adjustments because amantadine is cleared through the kidneys.
Drug interactions matter. Anticholinergic meds (like benztropine) can blunt amantadine’s benefits. Some antidepressants (especially SSRIs) may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially dangerous condition. Always list every prescription, over‑the‑counter, and herbal product you take – even caffeine‑rich teas can matter.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid Symmetrel unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks. The animal data aren’t clear, and safer alternatives exist for most conditions.
Practical tips: keep a pill box, set daily alarms, and watch for early signs of side effects. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next one – then skip the missed dose, don’t double up.
Finally, remember that Symmetrel isn’t a cure. It’s a tool that can smooth out symptoms while you work with your healthcare team on a broader plan that may include physical therapy, diet changes, and other medications.
Got more questions? Browse our other articles on medication safety, online pharmacy guides, and ways to manage Parkinson’s without relying on a single drug. Knowledge is power, and the right info can make Symmetrel work better for you.