AMANTADINE HYDROCHLORIDE IN THE TREATMENT OF PARKINSONISM A CONTROLLED TRIAL

Abstract

A double-blind cross-over trial has been carried out on 20 patients with Parkinsonism, comparing the effects of amantadine hydrochloride given in a dosage of 200 mg per day for a period of four weeks, with the effects of an identical-appearing placebo also given twice a day for four weeks. Pretrial therapy was continued unaltered throughout the trial for all patients. Amantadine proved superior to placebo in the patients' own assessment of their abilities to carry out many activities, and in the observer's assessment of rigidity, tremor and akinesia. Timed performances in carrying out a number of activities were improved by amantadine. Differences between amantadine and placebo were statistically significant in some instances. Side effects from amantadine therapy were few and relatively minor in the patients in this trial, and in other patients treated with amantadine but not included in the trial. It seems that amantadine therapy may have a useful part to play in the treatment of Parkinsonism.