>From the book "Parkinson's Disease- The Complete Guide for Patients and
Caregivers" by Lieberman and William, pg 59-60...
Another drug commonly prerscribed early in PD treatment is
Amantadine, also known as Symmetrel. [.. history...] Further
research confirmed the research and amantadine became a common
anitparkinsoniand drug in the late 1960s.
Exactly how amantadine works on the parkinsonian brain remains
unclear. It appears to help release dopamine from within the remaiing
substantia nigra cells, thereby stimulating the activity of the
striatum. [... side effects discussion..]
Nevertheless, for many mild cases of PD, Symmetrel works quite well
to reduce symptoms, including tremor, rididity, and bradykinesia. Like
anticholinergic therapy, Symmetrel may often delay for several months
or more, the need for levodopa therapy. It may also be used in
conjunction with other anti-PD drugs as the disease progresses.
On a personal note, I've been taking Amantadine and Eldepryl for about
a year. Its given some benefit but isn't a world class solution. No
side effects that I can tell.
Dan
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From: Parkinson's Information Exchange
To: Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN
Cc: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Amantadine ? Info
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 1997 10:21PM
I'm looking for more information on Amantadine, a new drug that is
supposed to reduce dyskenesias - and other adverse side-effects of
levodopa (Sinemet).
Patients & physicians comments who have direct knowledge of the drug
especially appreciated.
Thanks - Kent in LA
