! am on the largest amount of Amentadine allowed, 4 times a day. Amentadine original use was to treat Flu like symptoms.
June 16
Amantadine is commonly used alongside carbidopa/levodopa, but its primary benefits are focused on reducing tremors and managing dyskinesia (the involuntary movements that can develop after long-term levodopa use) rather than directly targeting rigidity.
That said, amantadine works by increasing dopamine availability in the Show Full Answer
Amantadine is commonly used alongside carbidopa/levodopa, but its primary benefits are focused on reducing tremors and managing dyskinesia (the involuntary movements that can develop after long-term levodopa use) rather than directly targeting rigidity.
That said, amantadine works by increasing dopamine availability in the brain and blocking signals that cause overactive muscle movements, which may offer some indirect relief for rigidity as part of overall symptom management. Some MyParkinsonsTeam members have shared positive experiences with the combination. One member noted that when their doctor adjusted their levodopa dose alongside amantadine, their movement symptoms improved noticeably.
For rigidity specifically, your neurologist may also consider other options alongside or instead of amantadine, such as:
- Anticholinergics (e.g., trihexyphenidyl or benztropine) — often used to help with muscle stiffness
- Dopamine agonists — mimic dopamine to help relieve symptoms
- COMT inhibitors — extend the effectiveness of each levodopa dose
It's always worth having a detailed conversation with your neurologist about whether amantadine is the right addition to your current regimen, as they can tailor the approach to your specific symptoms.
June 15