Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease with Amantadine and L-Dopa

Abstract

Treatment of Parkinson’s disease with amantadine and L-dopa was studied in 82 patients. A double-blind cross-over trial with 38 patients showed a significant benefit with 200 mg of amantadine daily. During non-blind treatment with 300 mg of amantadine for 2–4 months 60% of the patients showed moderate or marked overall improvement. The results were independent of age, sex, duration or severity of the disease or previous thalamotomy. During combined treatment an additive effect of L-dopa, but not that of amantadine, was demonstrated showing that the therapeutic effect of L-dopa is superior to that of amantadine. Furthermore, an increased number of clinical side-effects, especially nausea and vomiting were found during combined treatment. Moreover, the response to L-dopa could not be predicted with amantadine. Amantadine treatment did not induce changes in the concentration of HVA and 5-HIAA in the CSF although there is a strong evidence of a monoamine-releasing effect of amantadine on experimental animals.

Persistent cognitive dysfunction after traumatic brain injury: A dopamine hypothesis

“…AMH was originally used as an antiviral agent for influenza type A. Subsequent studies showed it to be effective in treating PD and multiple sclerosis (Godwin-Austen et al, 1970; Rinne et al, 1972; Cohen and Fisher, 1989). Though the mechanism of action for AMH treatment of PD and multiple sclerosis is not completely understood, biochemical studies have demonstrated that AMH increases extracellular DA concentrations by blocking reuptake and by facilitating the synthesis of DA (Von Voigtlander and Moore, 1971; Bak et al, 1972; Gianutsos et al, 1985).…”

Amantadine and other antiglutamate agents

“…This study had a quality rating score of 55%. Rinne et al (1972) 26 performed a double-blind, non-randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study of 4 weeks duration. The efficacy of amantadine versus placebo was compared in 38 patients with PD receiving anticholinergic therapy.…”

Plasma growth hormone and insulin response to levodopa and amantadine

“…Corresponding analyses were made afLer administration of amantadine, because it has been reported to have a beneficial effect in some parkinsonian cases (Schwab et aI., 1969;Godwin-Austen et al, 1970;Hunter et aL, 1970;Rinne et al, 1972). Since &anges in the concentration of plasma insulin and blood sugar effectively regulate the secretion of growth hormone, particular attention has been paid to these factors.…”