Category: Antiviral

Drug Uses

Symmetrel is used to treat Parkinson's disease and symptoms such as stiffness and shaking that may be caused by the use of certain drugs. It is also an effective antiviral medication.

Usage

Symmetrel should be taken exactly as it was prescribed for you with a full glass of water. Ensure that you do not take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you remember it soon, then take it immediately. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Never take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature away from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture.

Overdose

Some of the typical symptoms of Symmetrel overdose include fever, anxiety, severe headache, confusion, hallucinations, agitation, aggression, personality changes, tremor, problems with balance or walking, fast or uneven heart rate. If you suspect an overdose, then seek medical attention immediately.

More Information

Symmetrel may impair your vision, thinking, or reactions. So, do not drive or handle heavy machinery while using the drug. Avoid drinking alcohol and taking diet pills or other stimulants. You should also avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position.

Symmetrel should not be taken within 14 days of having received a nasal flu vaccine. The medicine is also known to increase sexual drive and an urge to gamble, so you should keep yourself in check. News reports indicate that Symmetrel may cause heart defects in newborns on rare occasions and so it should be used with extreme caution during pregnancy.

While the list of Symmetrel side effects contains many symptoms, not all patients taking this medicine experience all of them. Among the more common and less dangerous side effects are included headache, blurred vision, insomnia, depression, disturbed digestive system, nervousness and slurred speed. Dosage adjustments normally take care of such Symmetrel side effects. However, severe side effects such as palpitations, convulsions, drop in blood pressure, peripheral oedema, and hallucinations generally require a move to alternative medications.

Adult patients should stay away from consuming alcohol while taking Symmetrel as alcohol has a tendency to worsen symptoms. Similarly, an overdose of this drug is also a strict no-no as there could be severe Symmetrel side effects.