Used originally for the treatment of Asian flu and Parkinson’s Disease for some time, Armantadine MS has been found to be effective in combating fatigue associated with MS. It has not yet been specifically approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for that use. Armantadine is also known as Symmetrel and is being widely prescribed for MS patients.
Parkinson’s Disease was first described in an 1817 paper, *An Essay on the Shaking Palsy* by Dr. James Parkinson. A couple of very recognizable people, Michael J. Fox and Muhammad Ali have worked to bring the public’s attention to this affliction. Parkinson is caused by the death of cells that contain dopamine and results in difficulty in movements, uncontrolled shaking, muscle rigidity, sleep and emotional problems, and for some, dementia in the later stages.
It is unclear exactly how Armantadine Multiple Sclerosis exactly affects patients and gives them the noted improvement in their problems dealing with fatigue. It is known that the drug helps in the release of the dopamine produced in the mid-section of the brain. This is similar to adrenaline produced in the adrenal gland and helps with muscle control and appropriate emotional responses.
It may be simply a fact that improvements are noted in Armantadine MS fatigue because the patients taking it experience more emotional stability, improved movements and sleep, so report having less fatigue.
Amantadine MS has also been found to be helpful in the control of muscle spasms. Because of the antiviral properties of the drug, it was hoped at one time that it would be beneficial in reducing MS relapses. Many doctors optimistically reported overall improvements in their patients. Further studies showed no such verifiable results. It is believed it was simply a matter that patients had a better sense of stability and energy and did not report as many symptoms when receiving Armantadine Multiple Sclerosis fatigue. In other words, they seem to experience more of a sense of well-being.
Few Serious Side Effects Are Seen With Amantadine Multiple Sclerosis
One important step is to take Amantadine MS early enough in the day so not to affect sleep patterns. Usually it is given in dosage of 100 to 200 mg a day in a pill or syrup. Many side effects will mimic, and may worsen other MS symptoms. Most have been shown to clear up once the patient becomes adjusted to taking the medication daily.
The most common reactions with seem to be dry mouth and some restlessness and inability to concentrates. Also purple blotches may appear on the skin (livedo reticularis) when taking higher doses (above 300 mg). Again, most of these will not require medical intervention, but should be monitored. In rare cases immediate medical attention should be sought for reports of swelling in the lower extremities, shortness of breath, fainting or hallucinations, eye irritations or swelling, and some other critical symptoms, after taking Amantadine Multiple Sclerosis.
All-in-all, most doctors are comfortable prescribing Amantadine MS for their patients as the benefits appear to out-weigh the potential risks.
