Amantadine extended-release capsules

What is this medicine?

AMANTADINE (a MAN ta deen) is used to treat Parkinson's disease. It helps to treat uncontrolled movements, called dyskinesia.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. If needed, the capsules may be opened and sprinkled on applesauce before swallowing. Sprinkle all of the medicine in the capsule on the applesauce. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. Stopping this medicine too quickly may cause serious side effects or your condition may worsen.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• anxiety

• breathing problems

• changes in vision

• color changes on the skin

• confusion

• depressed mood

• eye pain

• falling asleep during normal activities like driving

• hallucination, loss of contact with reality

• new or increased gambling urges, sexual urges, uncontrolled spending, binge or compulsive eating, or other urges

• seizures

• signs and symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired

• swelling in your legs and feet

• suicidal thoughts or other mood changes

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• trouble sleeping

• uncontrolled movements of the mouth, head, hands, feet, shoulders, eyelids or other unusual muscle movements

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation

• dizziness

• drowsiness

• dry mouth

• headache

• nausea

What may interact with this medicine?

• acetazolamide

• alcohol

• atropine

• antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold

• benztropine

• bupropion

• certain medicines for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine

• certain medicines for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine

• certain medicines for travel sickness like scopolamine

• ipratropium

• methazolamide

• quinidine

• quinine

• sodium bicarbonate

• some flu vaccines

• thioridazine

• trihexyphenidyl

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• depression or other mental illness

• eczema

• glaucoma

• heart failure

• if you drink alcohol

• kidney disease

• low blood pressure

• narcolepsy

• seizures

• sleep apnea

• suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member

• an unusual or allergic reaction to amantadine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

If you are taking this medicine for Parkinson's disease or a movement disorder, be careful. Slowly increase your daily activities as your condition improves. Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

If you find that you have sudden feelings of wanting to sleep during normal activities, like cooking, watching television, or while driving or riding in a car, you should contact your health care professional.

There have been reports of increased sexual urges or other strong urges such as gambling while taking some medicines for Parkinson's disease. If you experience any of these urges while taking this medicine, you should report it to your health care provider as soon as possible.

You should check your skin often for changes to moles and new growths while taking this medicine. Call your doctor if you notice any of these changes.