Extended-Release Amantadine for Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia

Introduction: Levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) is a significant impediment to the long-term use of levodopa for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Relatively few studies exist that have described safe and effective therapy for LID. There is thus a significant need for therapy that can control LID to allow for greater sustainability of levodopa therapy. Amantadine extended release (ER) is currently the only FDA-approved medication for the treatment of LID. While other medications have demonstrated efficacy in treating the motor symptoms of PD, amantadine ER is the only one that has been shown, in several clinical trials, to reduce LID and reduce OFF time. Areas Covered: In this review, the authors present the findings of amantadine ER including its efficacy and safety. The authors also provide their expert perspectives on its use and its future prospects. Expert opinion: Several therapies are currently being used and studied for controlling LID, an unmet need in therapy for PD. Amantadine ER has potential to supplement levodopa therapy in PD and improve patient therapeutic outcomes.