Medication 5: Amantadine: Managing Dyskinesia and Motor Symptoms
Amantadine is a medication initially developed as an antiviral agent but later found to have benefits for Parkinson’s disease patients. It is primarily prescribed to help manage dyskinesia, a common side effect of long-term levodopa use. Amantadine can also provide mild to moderate relief from motor symptoms in the early stages of Parkinson’s.
The precise mechanism by which amantadine benefits Parkinson’s patients is not entirely understood. However, it is believed to interact with the brain’s glutamate system, helping to regulate dopamine release and reduce involuntary movements.
Potential side effects of amantadine include dizziness, dry mouth, and hallucinations. As with other Parkinson’s medications, healthcare providers will monitor patients closely and adjust dosages to minimize side effects while maintaining symptom relief. (5)
