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Disease Modifying Drugs & Therapies

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Amantadine - Symmetrel®

Used for

• Apathy in multiple sclerosis. [1]
• Cocaine dependence.
• The treatment and prophylaxis of viral infections.
• Treating symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
• It has also been reported as having mild anti depressive effects although not sufficient to warrant its use as an antidepressant.

Striking anti depressive effects in some patients have been attributed to its antiviral activity against human Borna disease virus (BDV) infection which is frequently seen in patients with depressive episodes. In an 8 to 12 week open study of oral amantadine in 30 depressed patients with various states of BDV infection there was found a significant anti depressive response in 19 of 30 patients. Peripheral BDV antigen indicating acute infection was cleared in both responders and non-responders, but only in responders was  peripheral infection significantly reduced.

Side effects may occur                                                                                                                    

• Blurred vision.
• Dizziness.
• Lightheadedness.
• Faintness.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Depression or anxiety.
• Swelling of the hands, legs, or feet.
• Difficulty urinating.
• Shortness of breath.
• Rash.

1. Krupp LB, et al. Fatigue therapy in multiple sclerosis: results of a double-blind, randomised, parallel trial of amantadine, pemoline, and placebo. Neurology 1995;45(11):1956-1961.

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