Generic Symmetrel is also used to treat Parkinsons disease, sometimes called paralysis agitans or shaking palsy. Generic Symmetrel may be given alone or with other medicines for Parkinsons disease. By improving muscle control and reducing stiffness, Generic Symmetrel allows more normal movements of the body as the disease symptoms are reduced.

Generic Symmetrel is also used to treat stiffness and shaking caused by certain medicines used to treat nervous, mental, and emotional conditions.

Generic Symmetrel is used in the prevention and treatment of flu caused by infection with the influenza A virus. The exact method of action in this capacity is not clear, however, Generic Symmetrel is thought to inhibit the early stage of replication of the influenza A virus.

Dopamine is a chemical in the brain known to be absent or reduced in people with Parkinsons disease. Generic Symmetrel is thought to increase the release of dopamine in the brain. By increasing dopamine release, Generic Symmetrel has a mild effect against some of the symptoms of Parkinsons disease such as tremor and rigidity. However, after a period of time, many people observe a reduction in the effect achieved from the same dose (tolerance develops) and therefore its use may be limited. Sometimes the effectiveness can be restored if use of the drug is stopped for a period of time and then restarted. Generic Symmetrel is often used in combination with other medicines for the treatment of Parkinsons disease.

Generic Symmetrel is also used to treat elderly and physically weak people with shingles (caused by the herpes zoster virus) in whom the doctor suspects that a severe and painful rash may occur. Generic Symmetrel is used to reduce the likelihood of this. It is not fully understood how Generic Symmetrel works in this situation.

Adults and children 12 years of age and older
200 milligrams of Generic Symmetrel once a day, or 100 milligrams of Generic Symmetrel two times a day.

Children 9 to 12 years of age
100 milligrams of Generic Symmetrel two times a day.

Children 1 to 9 years of age
Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by the doctor.

Children up to 1 year of age
Your doctor must determine use and dose

For the treatment of Parkinsons disease or movement problems:
Older adults
100 milligrams of Generic Symmetrel once a day to start. The dose may be increased slowly over time, if needed.

Adults
100 milligrams of Generic Symmetrel one or two times a day. Your doctor may increase this dose, if needed.

Children
Dose has not been determined.

If you miss a Generic Symmetrel dose
If you miss a dose of Generic Symmetrel, take it as soon as possible. This will help to keep a constant amount of Generic Symmetrel in the blood. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses of Generic Symmetrel.

Generic Symmetrel Overdose
Generic Symmetrel overdose can lead to serious consequences. Seek medical emergency immediately.

Generic Symmetrel Storage instructions
Keep Generic Symmetrel out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store Generic Symmetrel at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused amount of Generic Symmetrel after the expiration date.

Generic Symmetrel Preparations: Capsule - 100mg

There may be an increased risk of side effects such as blurred vision, constipation, confusion, dry mouth, hallucinations and nightmares if Generic Symmetrel is taken with other medicines that have anticholinergic effects, including:

• antispasmodic medicines, eg hyoscine
• antihistamines, eg meclozine
• levodopa
• anticholinergic medicines for Parkinsons disease, eg procyclidine
• certain antidepressants
• antipsychotic medicines.

There may be an increased risk of side effects on the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) if Generic Symmetrel is taken with alcohol or other medicines that act on the central nervous system.

If you are taking antipsychotic medicines you should not stop taking Generic Symmetrel suddenly, as this can increase the risk of side effects from the antipsychotic medicine.

In isolated cases, Generic Symmetrel may worsen psychotic symptoms in people taking antipsychotic medicines.

Combination diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide plus triamterene, may reduce the excretion of Generic Symmetrel from the body, and so may increase the risk of Generic Symmetrel side effects.

Generic Symmetrel precautions if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Generic Symmetrel should not be used during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the unborn baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Significant amounts of Generic Symmetrel may pass into breast milk. Breastfeeding mothers should not use Generic Symmetrel, as it may be harmful to the nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Special warnings about Generic Symmetrel
Patients with Parkinsons disease must be careful not to overdo physical activities as their condition improves and body movements become easier since injuries resulting from falls may occur. Such activities must be gradually increased to give your body time to adjust to changing balance, circulation, and coordination.

Some patients may notice that Generic Symmetrel gradually loses its effect while they are taking it regularly for a few months. Consult your doctor if you notice this. Your doctor may want to adjust the dose or stop Generic Symmetrel for a while and then restart it to restore its effect.

Do not suddenly stop taking Generic Symmetrel without first checking with your doctor since your Parkinsons disease may get worse very quickly. Your doctor may want you to reduce your dose gradually before stopping Generic Symmetrel completely.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using Generic Symmetrel and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Do not use Generic Symmetrel if you have a history of convulsions, history of stomach ulcers or are suffering from severe kidney disease.

Possible Generic Symmetrel Side effects
More common side effects of Generic Symmetrel may include:

• agitation,
• anxiety, or nervousness,
• difficulty concentrating,
• dizziness or lightheadedness ,
• headache,
• irritability ,
• loss of appetite,
• nausea ,
• purplish red, net-like, blotchy spots on skin,
• trouble in sleeping or nightmares

Less common side effects of Generic Symmetrel may include:

• blurred vision,
• confusion (especially in elderly patients),
• difficult urination (especially in elderly patients),
• fainting,
• hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there),
• swelling of hands, feet, or lower legs

Rare side effects of Generic Symmetrel may include:

• convulsions (seizures),
• decreased vision or any change in vision,
• difficulty in coordination ,
• fever, chills, or sore throat,
• increased blood pressure,
• increase in body movements ,
• irritation and swelling of the eye,
• loss of memory,
• mental depression,
• severe mood or mental changes,
• skin rash,
• slurred speech,
• thoughts of suicide or attempts at suicide,
• unexplained shortness of breath