Amantadine Hydrochloride

Quick Facts

General Information

► Introduced in the 1960’s as a preventative medicine for flu

► Later found to be effective in treating movement disorders in neurologic conditions

► Commonly used with persons with traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

Previous Research

► Small, poorly controlled, “open label” case series

► One controlled trial showed no difference between amantadine and placebo

► One controlled trial showed a beneficial effect of amantadine

► However, other investigators have raised questions about this second trial

How Does Amantadine Work?

► Amantadine affects neurotransmitters (brain chemicals necessary to proper brain

function)

► Amantadine increases dopamine activity within the brain

► Amantadine decreases glutamate activity within the brain

► Doses range from 100 milligrams to 400 milligrams per day

► Amantadine works rapidly, within a few days to a week

Possible Side Effects

► Serious side effects are rare with amantadine

► Side effects that do occur are generally mild, temporary, and reversible

► The most common side effects are decreased sleep, decreased concentration,

depression, and stomach upset

► Rarely occurring side effects can include hallucinations or confusion

► Seizures have occurred in patients taking amantadine, but it is not clear whether

amantadine caused the seizures