Generic Symmetrel

Symmetrel is generically prescribed as amantadine and can be used to treat and prevent influenza A. Symmetrel can also be used to treat disease such as Parkinson’s disease and disease that mimic the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Symmetrel is an antiviral medication. When used to treat Parkinson’s disease, this medication should not be suddenly stopped.

Symmetrel should not be prescribed without a thorough medical history. Patients with a medical history which includes epilepsy, seizure disorders, kidney disease, liver disease, congestive heart failure, the accumulation of fluid in the extremities, or a chronic rash may not be able to undergo drug therapy with Symmetrel or may require careful monitoring while taking this medication, depending on the condition and the severity of the condition.

The American Food and Drug Administration rated Symmetrel as a pregnancy risk category C which means that there is a likelihood that this medication will cause harm or birth defects in an unborn baby. It has yet to be determined if Symmetrel passes through the mother’s breast milk and affects a nursing baby, thus it is recommended that nursing mothers avoid taking Symmetrel. This medication should be avoided for women who are pregnant or have a high likelihood of becoming pregnant, or are trying to get pregnant.

There may be side effects associated with Symmetrel, and some of them could be serious. Side effects such as allergic reactions, congestive heart failure, severe stiffness of the extremities, involuntary reactions of the extremities, or confusion after discontinuing the medication or reducing the dose require immediate emergency medical attention. Allergic reactions will present with symptoms such as swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, hives, and difficulty breathing while congestive heart failure is likely to present with fatigue, sudden swelling of the hands, legs, or feet, and difficulty breathing.

Less serious side effects are not typically urgent enough to require medical attention however reporting them to the prescribing physician is highly recommended. Less serious side effects may include symptoms such as insomnia, a decrease in appetite, nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, headaches, dry mouth, anxiety, depression, constipation, or confusion. Less serious side effects may be alleviated by altering the dose of Symmetrel or by changing the time of day it is typically taken.

Symmetrel should only be taken as it has been prescribed. If a dose it missed it should not be made up by a double dose, rather it should be taken as soon as it is remembered unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. If it is almost time for the following dose, the missed dose should simply be skipped. Taking too much Symmetrel may result in an overdose, which would require medical intervention. An overdose may present with symptoms such as blurry vision and a severe headache indicating an increase in blood pressure, fast heart rate, difficulty breathing, anxiety, insomnia, confusion, aggression, tremors, paranoia, hallucinations, coma, and death.

Symmetrel presents a risk of drug interactions which may occur when other medications are taken at the same time. Patients should always inquire with the prescribing physician before taking any new medications, even over the counter drugs or herbal remedies. Medications with a known interaction with Symmetrel include phenothiazines, decongestants, diet pills, caffeine, allergy medications, products which promote wakefulness, and other medications which may stimulate the nervous system.