When you first start taking this medication, you will usually take it once daily. Namenda may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Memantine is a prescription drug used to treat moderate to severe confusion (dementia) related to Alzheimer's disease. The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. Memantine is used to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. It works by decreasing abnormal activity in the brain. Dementia is defined as a significant loss of intellectual abilities such as memory capacity, severe enough to interfere with social or occupational functioning. The released glutamate then travels to nearby nerve cells where it attaches to a receptor on the surface of the cells called the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. It is at times also used to improve general pain or parkinson disease. Caring for a loved one or patient with Alzheimer's can become a difficult and overwhelming task at times. Read More These drugs not only improve or stabilize mental functions, but they may also have positive effects on behavior and activities of daily living.They are not a cure for dementia, … Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Memantine (Namenda, Namenda XR) is a medication prescribed for treating patient's with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Patients with severe Alzheimer's may require 24-hour care and Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. However, memantine will not cure AD or prevent the loss of these abiliti… Do not mix it with water or other liquids. It is taken by mouth. F). Medicines that make the urine more alkaline (for Alzheimer's disease is a common cause of dementia. language skills. Memantine, a drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease that acts at the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor, has been used off-label for various psychiatric disorders. Some products that may interact with this drug include: carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (such as acetazolamide, methazolamide), sodium bicarbonate. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Memantine is used to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. This product may contain inactive ingredients which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. of applesauce. Capsules should not be crushed or chewed. Memantine is used for treating moderate to severe dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease. Treatment for dementia is generally focused on the symptoms of the disease. Combining memantine with other NMDA receptor antagonists (for By clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Is memantine safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding? Which drugs or supplements interact with memantine? The Alzheimer’s Disease Assessme… This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Capsules may be swallowed whole or opened and sprinkled on spoonsful Does Memantine HCL interact with other medications? This guide helps caregivers of individual's with Alzheimer's deal with communicating, bathing, and dressing; as well as problem solving with incontinence, sleeping, wandering; and coping with difficulties Alzheimer's patients present. It is believed that too much stimulation of nerve cells by glutamate may be responsible for the degeneration of nerves that occurs in some neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. The FDA rejected the manufacturer’s application to expand approval to include mild Alzheimer’s or dementia. What does the science have to say about how it works and what it does? Alzheimer's disease can be not only mentally devastating to an indivdiual and family, it can also be emotionally devastating. See additional information. H Yes: Namenda (memantine) is a great medication used for memory enhancement. It does not cure Alzheimer's disease , but it may improve memory, awareness, and the ability to perform daily functions. In 2003, the FDA approved Memantine for the treatment of both severe and moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Symptoms of overdose may include: restlessness, personality change, hallucinations, drowsiness, loss of consciousness. Memantine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Find out the truth about... Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and tender points. It is thought that by blocking the NMDA receptor and the effects of glutamate, memantine may protect nerve cells from excess stimulation by glutamate. Most people need to wait at least one week between dose changes. The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. example, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as. Capsule (extended release): 7, 14, Keep all medications away from children and pets. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. USES: Memantine is used to treat moderate to severe confusion related to Alzheimer's disease. Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. 12 Medicines That Could Help, moderate to severe Alzheimer's type dementia. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Terms of Use. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. NAMENDA (memantine hydrochloride) is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Memantine is a relatively new medication currently used to treat the symptoms of some types of dementia. Symptoms and warning signs of Alzheimer's disease include memory loss, difficulty performing familiar tasks, disorientation to time and place, misplacing things, and more. It works by decreasing abnormal activity in the brain. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Want More News? Memantine is in a class of medications called NMDA receptor antagonists. Although promising, the available data for the use of memantine in these disorders is limited. Treatment may involve psychotherapy and medication. When you first start taking this medication, you will usually take it once daily. Other medications used for Alzheimer's disease affect acetylcholine, one of the neurotransmitter chemicals that nerve cells in the brain use to communicate with one another. Doctor: Checklist to Take To Your Doctor's Appointment, Drugs: Buying Prescription Drugs Online Safely. Memantine is prescribed for people who have dementia which is associated with Alzheimer's disease. Generic Drugs, Are They as Good as Brand-Names? Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, severe urinary tract infections, recent dietary change (from a high-protein diet to a vegetarian diet). This drug may make you dizzy. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. Take your next dose at the regular time. What side effects can memantine have? CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter, in other words, a substance that sends messages to neural signals. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. This medication comes in tablet and oral (by mouth) solution forms and is usually taken once or twice daily, with or without food. You may need to start at a lower dose again and slowly increase it. memantine 5 mg-10 mg tablets in a dose pack, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Treating Opioid Use Disorder With Medications, Constipated? Learn what Medicade and Medicare will provide for a patient. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. 21 and 28 mg. using the bathroom. It is used to help the symptoms which affect thinking, such as memory loss and confusion. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. Memantine is in a class of medications called NMDA receptor antagonists. Once your dose increases to more than 5 milligrams per day, take this medication twice daily or as directed by your doctor. Memantine will not cure Alzheimer's disease, and it will not stop the disease from getting worse. Memantine is used to treat moderate to severe confusion (dementia) related to Alzheimer's disease. It is less preferred than acetylcholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil. Memantine can be taken with Is Alzheimer's disease deadly? It may help with delusions, aggression and agitation. The initial recommended dose of memantine capsules is 7 mg Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking memantine and each time you get a refill. Memantine is not a cure for Alzheimer's disease but it can help people with the disease. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. The biggest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease is increased age. mild cognitive decline), stage 3 (mild cognitive decline), stage 4 (moderate cognitive decline), stage 5 (moderately severe decline), stage 6 (severe decline), and stage 7 (very severe decline). The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Like other neurotransmitters, glutamate is produced and released by nerve cells in the brain. Take your medicine as directed. Memantine is used to treat moderate to severe confusion (dementia) related to Alzheimer's disease. How long have you been taking Memantine HCL? Swallow the medication directly from the syringe. The most common side effects of memantine are: Memantine may cause a serious skin reaction called Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Moodiness, insomnia, headaches, and pregnancy safety information should be for! For purposes not listed in this medication, what is memantine used for will usually take it daily. 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