Namenda (Memantine) is used for:
Treating moderate to severe Alzheimer-type dementia. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Namenda is a NMDA-receptor antagonist. It works by blocking excess activity of a substance in the brain called glutamate, which may reduce the symptoms associated with Alzheimer disease. Namenda is not a cure for Alzheimer disease.
Do NOT use Namenda if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Namenda
Contact your doctor right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Namenda:
Some medical conditions may interact with Namenda. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have kidney problems or a condition that raises your urine pH balance (eg, urinary tract infection)
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Namenda. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Amantadine, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (eg, acetazolamide), dextromethorphan, ketamine, or sodium bicarbonate because they may increase the risk of Namenda's side effects.
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your doctor if Namenda may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your doctor before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Namenda:
Use Namenda as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Take Namenda by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
- If you miss a dose of Namenda, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your doctor any questions you may have about how to use Namenda.
Important safety information:
- Namenda may cause dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Namenda with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Namenda while you are pregnant. It is not known if Namenda is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Namenda, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Namenda:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
- Constipation; dizziness; headache; pain.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
- Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); change in behavior, such as aggressiveness, depression, or anxiety; chest pain or tightness; fainting; hallucinations; one-sided weakness; severe tiredness; speech changes; sudden severe headache; vision changes.
Proper storage of Namenda:
Store Namenda at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Namenda out of the reach of children and away from pets.
