Using amantadine to help stroke recovery

Promoting Recovery After STroke With Amantadine

Phase 2 Interventional University of Pennsylvania · NCT05140148

This study tests if the medication amantadine can help people recover better after having a stroke.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pennsylvania Academic / other
Locations1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT05140148 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of amantadine in promoting recovery in patients who have experienced ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either amantadine or a placebo for one month, with a total enrollment period of three months. Throughout the trial, patients will undergo assessments and complete questionnaires to evaluate their recovery progress. The study aims to provide insights into the potential benefits of amantadine for stroke rehabilitation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 85 who have experienced an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke and meet specific neurological assessment criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with significant expressive or receptive aphasia, or those with primary subarachnoid hemorrhage, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance recovery outcomes for stroke patients, potentially improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have explored the use of amantadine for stroke recovery, showing promising results, but this specific approach is still being evaluated.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. 18 to 85 years old, male and female
2. Modified Rankin Score (mRS)\<=2 prior to stroke
3. Ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke as diagnosed by vascular neurologist or as proven on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or non-contrast head computed tomography NCHCT)
4. 24 hours to 3 weeks after stroke onset or time last known well prior to detection of symptoms
5. National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)\>=3 and NIHSS\<=15
6. Creatinine Clearance of greater than or equal to 60 mL/min using the Cockroft- Gault equation.
7. Have passed a swallow evaluation prior to drug administration
8. The patient is an acute rehabilitation candidate or candidate for the Homeward Stroke Program
9. Able to participate in administered tests

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Any degree of receptive aphasia
2. Moderate or severe expressive aphasia
3. Currently pregnant or plans to get pregnant
4. Currently breastfeeding
5. Any patient admitted with primary SubarachnoidH emorrhage (SAH )on either non-contrast head CT or MRI brain
6. Diagnosis of dementia or mild cognitive impairment prior to index stroke
7. Prior limb amputation
8. Currently prescribed or taking a primary anticholinergic medication
9. Currently enrolled in any other investigational pharmacologic or procedural clinical trial
10. Malignancy with active treatment
11. History of prior stroke with residual impairment
12. Current or prior neuroleptic use
13. History of suicidality or psychosis (The Columbia Suicide Severity Ratings Scale (C-SSRS) will be administered at the screening visit to assess depression and suicidal thoughts for subject eligibility. Any subjects who indicate severe depression or suicidal thoughts and/or attempts within the last year will not be eligible)
14. Prior history of seizures
15. Prior treatment with amantadine
16. Parkinson's disease
17. Amantadine allergy
18. Elevated liver function tests (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase above the upper limit of normal) -

Where this trial is running

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Stroke, IschemicStroke Hemorrhagic
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.