Suggest Treatment For Persistent Tremors When Diagnosed With Parkinson's Disease

Posted on Sun, 16 Oct 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 16 Oct 2016 Answered on

Thu, 10 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have parkinson's disease. i am 58. I only had mild infrequent tremors before taking amantadine. a few weeks after taking amantadine the tremors, mostly in my left leg started getting worse. then i started developing rapid breathing, increase in tremors severity, strange sensations and now shaking of my whole body. My psychiatrist thinks its panic atta cks related to the amantadine. my neurologist thinks its withdrawal symptoms because my sinemet is wearing off and my last dose of sinemet at about 7 at night wears off very quickly and then i am enveloped by all these scary symptoms. What do you think?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possibility of dose related side effects

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
The symptoms of parkinsons disease increase with time and less responsive to treatment.
Amantadine is usually given for tremors in parkinsons disease but may aggravate tremors in some.
Another possibility is on and off phenomenon or peak dose dyskinesia.
As you are taking higher doses you need to time it well.
Liquid levodopa formulation can be used for drug related side effects.
You can also be in regular follow up of the treating neurologist for dose adjustment.
Amantadine can be stopped to look for any relief.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (9 hours later)

After I titrate down to 0 Amantadine how quickly, assuming it is the culprit should I see some type of positive effect?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Take treatment as advised

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
You can taper down and stop in 3-4 days.
The side effects related to drug should improve in a week after stopping drug.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng