Symmetrel

Description

Drug Uses

Symmetrel is used for treating and preventing certain types of flu. It is used to treat Parkinson disease and uncontrolled muscle movements caused by some medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Symmetrel as directed by your doctor. Take Symmetrel with or without a meal. If you are using Symmetrel for the flu, take it for the full course of treatment. Keep using Symmetrel even if you feel better in a few days. This will help clear up your infection completely.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking Symmetrel, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Symmetrel, if you have a history of heart problems (eg, congestive heart failure), swelling of your hands or feet, mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts or actions, seizures, glaucoma, low blood pressure, dizziness when you stand or sit up, an eczema–like rash, or kidney or liver problems, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant. Symmetrel is found in breast milk. Do not breast–feed while taking Symmetrel. Some medicines may interact with Symmetrel. Therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. Do not take Symmetrel if you have uncontrolled narrow–angle glaucoma. Do not become overheated in hot weather or while you are being active, heatstroke may occur. Symmetrel only works against certain types of the flu, it does not treat other viral infections (eg, the common cold). If you are taking Symmetrel for Parkinson disease, increase physical activity slowly as your symptoms improve. Do not suddenly stop taking Symmetrel without first checking with your doctor. Your dose may need to be lowered slowly to avoid side effects. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Symmetrel. Symptoms may include fever, stiff muscles, confusion, abnormal thinking, fast or irregular heartbeat, and sweating. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of Symmetrel and might require a lower dose and/or special monitoring during treatment. Use Symmetrel with extreme caution in children younger than 1 year old, safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the Missed Dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the Possible Side Effects are– Appetite loss, blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth or nose, headache, lightheadedness, nausea, strange dreams, tiredness, trouble sleeping. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately– allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), agitation, aggression, confusion, depression, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, hallucinations, memory loss, mental or mood changes, muscle problems (eg, spasms, uncontrolled movements), paranoid thoughts, personality changes, seizures, severe or persistent drowsiness or trouble sleeping, shortness of breath, swelling of hands, legs, feet, or ankles, thoughts of suicide, trouble urinating, unusual anxiety or irritability, vision changes.

Storage

Store Symmetrel at 59 – 86 °F (15 – 30 °C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Symmetrel out of the reach of children.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected seek medical attention immediately. Some of the symptoms of Symmetrel overdose are– aggression, chest pain, confusion, decreased urination, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, hallucinations, loss of consciousness, mental or mood changes, seizures, severe drowsiness, severe or persistent headache or dizziness, tremor, trouble breathing, trouble walking. Overdose of Symmetrel may be fatal.

More Information

Symmetrel may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may worsen if Symmetrel is taken with alcohol or certain other medications. Use Symmetrel with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to this drug. If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, contact your doctor. Symmetrel should be used only by the patient for whom it has been prescribed. Do not take less or more or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Disclaimer

This is only general information, it does not cover all directions, drug integrations or precautions. You should not rely on it for any purpose, it does not contain any specific instructions for a particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information. We`re not responsible for any damage.