Symmetrel (Amantadine)

Do’s

• Symmetrel is typically taken by mouth with or without food, as directed by a healthcare provider, usually once or twice daily. If taking it twice a day and experiencing trouble sleeping after the second dose, take the second dose several hours before bedtime.
• If using the liquid form of Symmetrel, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon.
• The dosage of Symmetrel is based on the individual's medical condition and response to therapy. For children, the dosage is also based on body weight. 
• Maintain a constant level of the medicine in the body by taking it at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night.
• For children aged 10 and older and adults up to 65 years, the typical dosage is one capsule twice each day, starting as soon as possible after exposure to the flu virus. If side effects occur, the dose can be reduced to one capsule daily. Individuals with reduced kidney function due to increasing age or kidney disease may have a different dosing regimen, as directed by their healthcare provider.
• If Symmetrel is being used to treat a viral infection, begin taking it as soon as possible and continue until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.
• In the case of Parkinson's disease, the effects of the medication may not be noticed for several weeks. 
• Inform your healthcare provider if the medication stops working well.

Don’ts

• Do not use a household spoon to measure the liquid form because you may not get the correct dose.
• Do not take more than prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Do not suddenly stop taking this medication, as symptoms or side effects may worsen. Gradual reduction of the dose may be recommended by a healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Lightheadedness
• Insomnia
• Dizziness, especially when getting up too quickly from a sitting or lying position
• Purplish-red blotchy spots on the skin, especially on the legs or feet, which may appear after taking Symmetrel for a few months and usually go away gradually within a few weeks after stopping the medicine.

Consult a healthcare provider if any of these side effects are experienced and if there are specific concerns about the side effects of Symmetrel.

Before the use of Symmetrel in elderly patients or those with impaired liver or kidney function, special considerations, and dosage adjustments may be necessary.

Treatment with Symmetrel must be reduced gradually because abrupt discontinuation may exacerbate Parkinson's syndrome, regardless of the patient's response to therapy.

Overdose with Symmetrel capsules can lead to a fatal outcome, especially in cases of acute overdose with multiples of the maximum recommended dose or overexposure due to high dosages for elderly and/or mentally impaired patients.

The incidence of central nervous system (CNS) side effects associated with the 100 mg daily dose was at or near the threshold for statistical significance in recent clinical trials. If central nervous system effects develop, a split dosage schedule may reduce such complaints.

Co-administration of amantadine with certain medications, such as a fixed-dose combination of hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene, antipsychotic drugs, anticholinergic agents, or levodopa, may lead to increased plasma concentrations and toxic effects.

Patients should be careful when driving or performing activities that require alertness. Getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position should be avoided to prevent dizziness. Additionally, the use of stimulants such as diet pills, caffeine pills, or ADHD medications should be done under a healthcare provider’s advice to avoid unpleasant side effects.

These warnings and precautions highlight the importance of using Symmetrel under the guidance of a healthcare provider and being mindful of potential interactions and side effects.