Glutamate antagonist - Parkinson's drug
There is one glutamate antagonist, amantadine, that can be
prescribed to treat Parkinson’s
symptoms. The generic name is amantadine, but it is prescribed
under the name Symmetrel®.
Exactly how this drug works for Parkinson’s isn’t known yet. It may modify
levels of certain chemicals in the brain.
It isn’t used very often and is most likely to be given along with
other drug treatments for
Parkinson’s.
It is available in capsules and as a syrup.
The drug has only a mild effect, helps only a minority of people
and its effectiveness may be short-lived.
It may have a stimulatory effect and can help some people with
tiredness.
It can be used to treat tremor and stiff muscles and it can
reduce unwanted involuntary movements without making other symptoms
worse.
Side effects of glutamate antagonist
It is not a first-choice treatment for Parkinson’s and has a
limited effect. Side effects include:
- blurred vision, fainting, confusion or dizziness
- swelling of the ankles or a mottled appearance on the skin of
the lower leg
More information
Read our Drug treatments for Parkinson's
booklet.
See the
Amantadine Medicine Guide for independent, up-to-date
information about this medicine.
More drug treatments for Parkinson's
Return to the drug treatments for
Parkinson's main page
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