What is Memantine?

Memantine is a prescription medication used to treat symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. It is available in various forms, including immediate-release tablets, oral solutions, and extended-release capsules.

The brand name for memantine is Namenda, and it is also available as a generic drug. Memantine is used as part of a combination therapy, often taken with other drugs for treating dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Memantine Uses

Memantine is used to manage symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a condition that progressively impairs memory, thinking, learning, communication, and the ability to perform daily activities. It belongs to a class of drugs called NMDA receptor antagonists, which work by decreasing abnormal brain activity. This action may improve cognitive abilities or slow the decline in individuals with AD. Memantine achieves this by blocking the action of certain natural substances in the brain believed to be linked with Alzheimer's symptoms.

Secure your health with a second opinion. Make informed decisions and book your appointment today!

Get A Second Opinion

Memantine Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

Dizziness
Headache
Constipation
Cough
High blood pressure
Backache
Pain
Fainting
Vomiting
Shortness of breath
Fatigue

Serious Side Effects:

Acute kidney failure
Blockage in the brain
Stroke
Intracranial hemorrhage
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Seizure
Cardiac disorders
Gastrointestinal disorders

If you experience serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

How to Take Memantine

Forms: Memantine comes as a tablet, a solution (liquid), and an extended-release capsule.
Dosage:
- Solutions and tablets are usually taken once or twice a day with or without food.
- The capsule is taken once a day with or without food.
Administration: Swallow extended-release capsules whole. If you cannot swallow them, open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow the mixture without chewing and do not save any for later use.

Drug Forms and Strengths

Generic: Memantine

Form: Oral immediate-release tablet
Strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg

Brand: Namenda

Form: Oral immediate-release tablet
Strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg

Dosage for Alzheimer's Disease

Adult Dosage (Ages 18 and Older):

Typical starting dosage: 5 mg taken once per day.
Dosage increases: The dosage can increase to 5 mg twice per day or higher.
Maximum dosage: 20 mg per day.

Missed Dose

Missing one or two doses of memantine is usually not harmful. However, for optimal effectiveness, take the medication as prescribed. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to the time for your next dose. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Overdose

An overdose of memantine can be harmful. Seek medical advice immediately if you suspect an overdose.

Allergy Warnings

Itching
Hives
Rashes
Peeling or blistering skin
Swelling of the tongue
Trouble breathing

Warnings for People with Serious Health Conditions

Kidney Problems: If your kidneys are not functioning well, memantine may stay longer in your body, increasing the risk of side effects. Your doctor may reduce your dose if you have severe kidney problems.
Liver Problems: Inform your doctor if you have a history of serious liver issues. Poor liver function can cause memantine to stay longer in your body, increasing side effect risks.

Pregnant Women

There is insufficient data on the effects of memantine on human fetuses. Some animal studies have shown negative effects, but these do not always predict human responses.

Breastfeeding

It is unknown if memantine passes into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding or plan to, consult your doctor before taking this medication.

Storage

Store memantine at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC), away from heat, air, and light. Keep the medication out of reach of children.

Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!

Book an Appointment

Memantine vs Donepezil

Memantine	Donepezil
Prescription medicine available as Namenda	Prescription medicine available as Aricept
NMDA receptor antagonist	Used to treat Alzheimer's-related confusion
Decreases abnormal brain activity	Improves memory, awareness, and function
Common side effects: dizziness, headache, constipation, cough, high blood pressure, backache	Common side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss

Before taking memantine, consult your doctor. In case of side effects or any issues, seek immediate medical attention. Always carry your medication with you when traveling to avoid emergencies. Follow your doctor's prescription and advice for the best results.

Citations

Memantine

Book Doctor Appointment

Name*

Mobile Number*

I agree to the Medicover Privacy Policy

International Patient Services

Make an appointment just in few minutes - Call Us Now

040-68334455

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the drug memantine used for?

Memantine is used to treat Alzheimer's disease symptoms (AD; a brain disease that slowly destroys the memory and the ability to think, learn, communicate and handle daily activities). Memantine is in a class of drugs called NMDA receptor antagonists.

2. Does memantine improve memory?

Memantine and a combination of memantine and donepezil are approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. Memantine is prescribed in order to improve memory, attention, reason, language and the ability to perform simple tasks.

3. Should memantine be taken at night?

Memantine can be taken at any time of the day, but always try to take the doses at the same time every day. The medication can be taken with or without food.

4. How does memantine help dementia?

Memantine may help to improve memory, attention, reasoning, and language. It helps to balance glutamate, a brain chemical involved in memory and learning. Studies show that memantine can curb the illusions, hallucinations, agitation, aggression, and irritability that can occur with dementia.

5. Who should not take memantine?

Memantine hydrochloride is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about taking memantine.

6. How quickly does Memantine work?

Memantine doesn't work right away. It may take several days or even weeks for benefits to be shown. Memory and other brain functions can improve slowly over a few weeks. In some people, symptoms may not improve, but the progression of the disease may slow down.

7. Does memantine help with anxiety?

Memantine may be an effective increase in therapy in patients with anxiety who remain symptomatic despite appropriate treatment with conventional antidepressant anxiolytics.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.