Amantadine for Levodopa Resistant Parkinsonism

Abstract

A 65-year-old woman with stigmata of Parkinsonism was resistant to therapy with levodopa, bromocriptine and anticholinergics. However, administration of amantadine (Symmetrel^R), (200 mg/day) produced significant improvement in her motor disability as well as in her mental status. The mechanisms of amantadine's therapeutic effects in this unusual case are discussed.

Key Words:

• amantadine
• Parkinson's disease
• dopamine
• L-dopa