Amantadine question

[Guest guest]

I had my followup Neuro appointment on the 19th. The LP was

negative. My neurologist says he's sure I have MS and he just can't

prove it yet. He perscribed amantadine for the fatigue. I am

starting out on 100 mg/day. My question is How long does it take

before you notice a difference in the level of fatigue? He said I

could take up to 200 mg /day. I need to know how long I wait until

I up it. My rule is less is better.

Margot

[Guest guest]

Margot,

Pulled out my handy dandy " Pillbook " (the actual name of the book).. and

consulted it..

It doesn't say anything about how long for full effects for MS, but it does

say up to 2 weeks when use for Parkinson's.. I can't remember how long it

took before it was working well for me when I started taking it. I think it

might have been over a week though, and maybe two... Now the book also

states that 100-200 mg is the usual doseage for adults daily... but if it's

for Parkinsons, then 400 mg a day

Now if you have recurrent eczema you shouldn't use it.. There are other

things listed here as well, but I'm assuming that you are not psychotic, or

have a psychoneuorsis that isn't controlled by medication. Epilepsy, heart

failure and kidney disease also have cautions, if you need info on those,

I'll be glad to let you know what the book tells about it. There are other

things listed as well, for Pregnancy, Breast Feeding and Seniors.. If you

need that info, let me know..

Now the really GREAT news about Amantandine is.. since it was developed as

an Antiviral to begin with.. It is 70 to 90% effective in preventing Type A

Flu.. and it will reduce the symptoms of this flu if you start taking it

within two days of onset.. Now that might not really sound like great news..

but the fact is.. the flu shots this year that were given out.. aren't

really effective for the flu that's going around this year.

I checked the CDC websites to catch up on what's going on with the flu this

year.. And the vaccine that was distributed was for Type Something -

Panamanian, but what is going around this year is actually Type A - Fujian..

a Type A flu... so if you're taking it, you're 70 to 90% protected from

getting it, and even if you do, since you're already taking the Amantadine,

you won't get it nearly as bad.

And you're right, for me as well.. Less is Better...

My neuro prescribed Provigil in the spring, and then I found out my

insurance company wouldn't pay for it (well 50%) cause it wasn't on their

formulary.. But with the extra coverage I've got now, I managed to get the

script, and I do like the Provigil.. it works within a half hour when I

start to feel tired, or sleepy.. and I've definitely had more energy when

I'm taking it.. but again.. less is better.. so if I'm not yawning at in

appropriate times.. I don't take it..

|)onna

Amantadine question

> I had my followup Neuro appointment on the 19th. The LP was

> negative. My neurologist says he's sure I have MS and he just can't

> prove it yet. He perscribed amantadine for the fatigue. I am

> starting out on 100 mg/day. My question is How long does it take

> before you notice a difference in the level of fatigue? He said I

> could take up to 200 mg /day. I need to know how long I wait until

> I up it. My rule is less is better.

>

> Margot

>

>