Amantadine reduces motor fluctuations induced by L-Dopa - Practical and clinical results

Amantadine is a low-affinity, high voltage-dependent NMDA-receptor antagoni st with fast receptor kinetics. This mechanism may underlie the observed symptomatic as well as antidyskine tic efficacy of Amantadine. On the basis of the effects referred to here an d in the literature, the following conclusion can be drawn: Amantadine acts symptomatic in parkinsonian patients but induces no motoric complications. As such it is suitable as monotherapy in the early stages o f parkinson's disease. Amantadine counteracts the occurrence of L-Dopa-induced motoric fluctuation s and should be used as co-medication of L-Dopa. Amantadine acts synergistically with L-Dopa. Amantadine may act as disease modifier and may normalise life expectancy of patients suffering from parkinson's disease.