'amantadine' originates from the combination of 'amino' and 'adamantane', where 'amino' refers to the presence of an amino group and 'adamantane' is a type of hydrocarbon structure.

'amantadine' was developed in the 1960s as an antiviral drug and later found to have effects on the central nervous system.

Initially, it was used primarily as an antiviral agent, but over time it evolved into its current use for treating Parkinson's disease and similar conditions.