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Welcome to the website of the
Southwest Virginia MS Support Group
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Amantadine
Description
Amantadine is an antiviral medication used to prevent or treat certain
influenza infections; it is also given as an adjunct for the treatment of
Parkinson's disease. It has been demonstrated that this medication,
through some unknown mechanism, is sometimes effective in relieving
fatigue in multiple sclerosis.
Proper Usage
The usual dosage for the management of fatigue in MS is 100 to 200 mg
daily, taken in the earlier part of the day in order to avoid sleep
disturbance. Doses in excess of 300 mg daily usually cause livedo
reticularis, a blotchy discoloration of the skin of the legs.
Precautions
The precautions listed here pertain to the use of this medication as an
antiviral or Parkinson's disease treatment. There are no reports at this
time concerning the precautions in the use of the drug to treat fatigue in
multiple sclerosis.
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Drinking alcoholic beverages while taking this medication may cause
increased side effects such as circulation problems, dizziness,
lightheadedness, fainting, or confusion. Do not drink alcohol while
taking this medication.
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This medication may cause some people to become dizzy, confused,
lightheaded, or to have blurred vision or trouble concentrating.
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Amantadine may cause dryness of the mouth and throat. If your mouth
continues to feel dry for more than two weeks, check with your physician
or dentist since continuing dryness may increase the risk of dental
disease.
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This medication may cause purplish red, net-like, blotchy spots
on the skin. This problem occurs more often in females and usually
occurs on the legs and/or feet after amantadine has been taken
regularly for a month or more. The blotchy spots usually go away
within two to twelve weeks after you stop taking the medication.
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Studies of the effects of amantadine in pregnancy have not been done
in humans. Studies in some animals have shown that amantadine is harmful
to the fetus and causes birth defects.
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Amantadine passes into breast milk. However, the effect of
amantadine in newborn babies and infants is not known.
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Possible Side Effects
The side effects listed here pertain to the use of amantadine as an
antiviral or Parkinson's disease treatment. There are no reports at the
present time of the side effects associated with the use of this drug in
the treatment of MS-related fatigue.
Side effects that may go away as your body adjusts to the medication
and do not require medical attention unless they continue or are
bothersome: difficulty concentrating; dizziness; headache; irritability;
loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness; purplish red, net-like, blotchy
spots on skin; trouble sleeping or nightmares; constipation*; dryness of
the mouth; vomiting.
Rare side effects that should be reported as soon as possible to your
physician: blurred vision*; confusion; difficult urination*; fainting;
hallucinations; convulsions; unusual difficulty in coordination*;
irritation and swelling of the eye; mental depression; skin rash; swelling
of feet or lower legs; unexplained shortness of breath.
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