Possible side effects of amantadine taken orally, along with cautionary advice and potential drug interactions.
In the management of Parkinson's disease, Amantadine (Gocovri) plays a significant role in reducing tremors and relieving dyskinesia caused by levodopa therapy. However, long-term use of this medication comes with potential side effects, particularly on the central nervous system (CNS).
Key long-term CNS effects reported include insomnia and sleep disturbances, confusion and cognitive impairment, hallucinations and visual disturbances, anxiety and aggressive behaviour, tremor and hyperkinesia (excessive movement), and hypertonia (increased muscle tone). These effects suggest that while Amantadine can be beneficial for motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease, it can also cause neuropsychiatric and neurological side effects over time, especially in sensitive individuals.
When Amantadine is used in combination with other CNS-active drugs such as levodopa or divalproex sodium, there may be an additive central nervous system depression, causing impairment in judgment, psychomotor skills, and enhanced sedation or respiratory depression.
Monitoring and managing these effects is essential to balance the benefits and risks of Amantadine therapy in Parkinson's disease. People taking Amantadine should be aware of the risk of falling asleep while performing routine activities, especially if they take other sedating medications or have sleep disorders. Regular skin exams are also recommended to monitor for changes.
It is important to note that Amantadine is a pregnancy category C drug, and its effects on a developing fetus are unknown. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking Amantadine. The medication can increase liver enzyme numbers, so anyone with a history of liver disease should take Amantadine with caution.
Additionally, Amantadine can interact with anticholinergic drugs, stimulants, the flu vaccine, heart drugs like triamterene and quinidine, and alcohol. Alcohol consumption could increase the risk of symptoms such as dizziness, low blood pressure, and feeling faint.
In people with impaired kidney function, Amantadine can build up in the body, leading to potential overdose. In such cases, the doctor may lower the dose of Amantadine. Anyone with a history of congestive heart failure or edema should monitor for symptoms such as increased swelling or shortness of breath while taking Amantadine.
Severe side effects of Amantadine include suicidal thoughts or actions, central nervous system effects, impulse control issues, congestive heart failure, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a rare but potentially fatal condition that may develop when people have reduced their dosage or stopped taking Amantadine.
In summary, long-term treatment with Amantadine requires careful monitoring for CNS side effects, and any cognitive changes, hallucinations, or worsening of motor symptoms should be promptly evaluated by a healthcare provider. The benefits and risks of Amantadine therapy should be carefully weighed, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those taking other medications.
| Long-term CNS Effects of Amantadine (Gocovri) | Description | |--------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | Insomnia and sleep issues | Difficulty sleeping or altered sleep patterns | | Confusion and cognitive changes | Memory impairment, disorientation | | Hallucinations | Visual or other sensory hallucinations | | Anxiety and behavioural changes | Aggression or increased anxiety | | Movement disorders | Tremor, hyperkinesia, hypertonia | | CNS depression (with drug interactions) | Impairment of judgment, psychomotor skills, sedation |
[1] Drugs.com. (2021). Amantadine. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/amantadine.html [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Amantadine. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/amantadine/description/drg-20065915 [3] National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2021). Parkinson's Disease Information Page. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Parkinsons-Disease-Information-Page [4] Parkinson's UK. (2021). Amantadine. Retrieved from https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/medicines/amantadine
- Adverse side effects on eye-health, such as visual disturbances, have been reported with long-term Amantadine use.
- Beyond motor symptoms, Amantadine therapies and treatments can also lead to chronic diseases like neurological-disorders and mental-health issues.
- In conjunction with science, it's essential to understand the effects of Amantadine on mental-health, given its potential to induce anxiety, aggressive behavior, and suicidal thoughts.
- For individuals with certain respiratory-conditions, combining Amantadine with other CNS-active drugs could cause further impairment in psychomotor skills, potentially leading to respiratory depression.
- Digestive-health can be impacted by Amantadine, as it may increase liver enzyme numbers, posing a risk for anyone with a history of liver disease.
- The side effects of Amantadine also extend to the hearing, as they may include dizziness and low blood pressure that could potentially cause fainting.
- Health-and-wellness experts emphasize the importance of monitoring skin-conditions during long-term Amantadine therapy due to potential skin changes.
- The effects of Amantadine on cardiovascular-health should be taken into account when considering therapies and treatments, as it may cause symptoms in people with a history of congestive heart failure or edema.
- Psoriasis, an autoimmune-disorder, could be one of the medical-conditions that may be affected by Amantadine use, making it necessary for careful monitoring and evaluation.
- Incorporating proper nutrition into one's health-and-wellness routine could help manage the side effects of Amantadine, such as reducing the risk of dizziness by maintaining adequate hydration and blood pressure levels.
