Side Effects of amantadine: A Synthesis of Findings from 26 Studies
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This analysis is based on research papers included in PubMed, but medical research is constantly evolving and may not fully reflect the latest findings. There may also be biases towards certain research areas.
This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician. If you have concerns about "Side Effects of amantadine: A Synthesis of Findings from 26 Studies", please consult your doctor.
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Major Research Findings
Amantadine, initially developed for treating influenza A virus, is also used off-label for Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and managing extrapyramidal symptoms. 14 . While its mechanism in these conditions remains unclear, amantadine is associated with nervous system side effects. 1 . Research has revealed diverse side effects, including eye complications, neurological issues, mental health changes, and metabolic alterations. Specific side effects documented include:
Reasons for Side Effects
Amantadine's side effects stem from its mechanism of action. It increases dopamine levels in the brain, a neurotransmitter crucial for movement, mood, thinking, and learning. This dopamine increase is believed to cause neurological and mental health side effects. Amantadine is metabolized by the liver and excreted through urine. If this process is inefficient, the drug accumulates in the body, potentially intensifying side effects.
Common Side Effects
Eye Side Effects
Amantadine can lead to corneal edema, a condition where the cornea swells with fluid, potentially causing blurry vision and eye pain. 14 . This side effect is particularly observed in children receiving amantadine. 14
Nervous System Side Effects
Amantadine can induce nervous system side effects such as dizziness, unsteadiness, drowsiness, nervousness, and insomnia. 1 . Approximately 33% of patients taking amantadine experience these effects. 2 . Additionally, it can impair attention span and concentration, with around 16% of patients showing decreased performance on sustained attention tasks. 2
Mental Side Effects
Hallucinations, delusions, and confusion are potential mental side effects of amantadine. 7 . The difficulty lies in attributing these effects to SARS-CoV-2 infection (as amantadine is used off-label for this) or the drug itself in patients receiving it for COVID-19 treatment. 7
Metabolic Side Effects
Weight gain is a potential metabolic side effect of amantadine. 10 . It's believed to contribute to weight gain by increasing appetite. 10 . Amantadine can also impact metabolism. 5 . It has been shown to affect the metabolic profile of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a model organism. 5
Countermeasures for Side Effects
Eye Side Effects
If corneal edema develops from taking amantadine, discontinuing the drug is necessary. Consult an ophthalmologist if symptoms persist.
Nervous System Side Effects
Discuss any nervous system side effects experienced while taking amantadine with your doctor. They may adjust the dosage to mitigate symptoms. In severe cases, amantadine might be stopped entirely.
Mental Side Effects
Consult your doctor about any mental side effects experienced while taking amantadine. They may adjust the dosage to mitigate symptoms. In severe cases, amantadine might be stopped entirely.
Metabolic Side Effects
Discuss any metabolic side effects such as weight gain experienced while taking amantadine with your doctor. They may adjust the dosage to mitigate symptoms. In severe cases, amantadine might be stopped entirely.
Comparison of Studies
Common Points of Studies
Multiple studies consistently demonstrate that amantadine can cause side effects. These studies highlight the potential for neurological, mental, and metabolic adverse events associated with amantadine use.
Differences in Studies
The specific types and frequency of side effects associated with amantadine vary across different studies. For example, one study found that approximately 33% of patients taking amantadine experienced nervous system side effects, while another study showed that about 16% experienced difficulty maintaining attention. 2 . These discrepancies likely stem from differences in the patient populations and methodologies used in each study.
Points to Note Regarding Application to Real Life
Amantadine, a valuable medication for influenza A virus and Parkinson's disease, has potential side effects. It's crucial to be aware of these, including eye, neurological, mental, and metabolic issues. Before starting amantadine, discuss these potential side effects with your doctor and adhere strictly to their instructions regarding dosage and administration.
Limitations of Current Research
There's a lack of comprehensive research on the side effects of amantadine, particularly regarding its long-term impact. Furthermore, effective strategies to mitigate these side effects remain unclear.
Future Research Directions
Continued research is essential to gain a more complete understanding of amantadine's side effects. Long-term studies and investigations into effective mitigation strategies are crucial.
Conclusion
Amantadine is an effective drug for influenza A virus and Parkinson's disease, but it's important to remember the potential for side effects. Consult your doctor about these risks, follow their dosage instructions carefully, and be mindful of any potential side effects while taking amantadine.
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