Gocovri

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Ask your doctor or pharmacist when to take your medication since different brands are taken at different times (either in the morning, or at bedtime). Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush, chew, or split the capsules/tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.

If you using the capsules and have trouble swallowing them whole, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on a small amount of soft food (such as applesauce) just before taking. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not save it to take later.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Your condition may get worse if this drug is suddenly stopped or if your dose is quickly decreased. Your doctor may gradually reduce your dose to lessen the chance of symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, hallucinations, depression, or trouble speaking. Tell your doctor right away of any new or worsening symptoms.

Amantadine may take several weeks to have an effect. Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Amantadine may interfere with the effect of certain vaccines, such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose. However, you may get a flu shot (flu vaccine given by injection) if recommended by your doctor.

Do not share this medication with others.

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Blurred vision, nausea, loss of appetite, drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, dry mouth, constipation, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Dizziness and lightheadedness can increase the risk of falling. Get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

To relieve dry mouth, suck (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute.

If you are taking the extended-release tablets, an empty tablet shell may appear in your stool. This effect is harmless because your body has already absorbed the medication.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: purplish-red blotchy spots on the skin (especially on the legs), swelling of the ankles/feet, difficulty urinating, vision changes (such as vision loss), eye pain, unusual strong urges (such as increased gambling, increased sexual urges, uncontrolled spending), mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, depression, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts/attempts), muscle spasms.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: seizure.

Some people taking amantadine have fallen asleep suddenly during their usual daily activities (such as talking, driving). You might fall asleep without warning or without feeling drowsy. This effect can happen at any time even if you have used this medication for a long time. If you have increased sleepiness or fall asleep suddenly during the day, tell your doctor right away. Your risk is higher if you drink alcohol or take other medications that can make you drowsy. Do not drive or do other activities for which you need to be alert (see also Precautions section).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include fast/irregular heartbeat, severe drowsiness, shortness of breath, change in the amount of urine, mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, aggression, confusion, hallucinations), seizure.