Memantine
Memantine is a prescription medicine. It comes in various forms: immediate-release tablet, oral solution and extended-release capsule. Memantine oral tablet is available as the name of the drug Nameda. Memantine is also available as a generic drug. In some cases, they may not be available in any form or strength as a brand name drug. It is used a part of combination therapy which can be taken with other drugs for treating dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Memantine Uses
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. It works by decreasing abnormal brain activity. This may improve the ability to think and remember or can slow the loss of these abilities in people who are having AD. Memantine works by blocking the action of some natural substance in the brain which is believed to be linked with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Memantine Side effects
Some of the common side effects of Memantine are:
Some of the serious side effects of Memantine are:
- Acute Kidney Failure
- Blockage in the brain
- Stroke
- Intracranial Hemorrhage
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- Seizure
- Cardiac disorders
- Gastrointestinal disorders
If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Memantine if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.
A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Memantine side effects.
How to take Memantine?
Memantine comes as a tablet, a solution (liquid) and an extended-release (long-acting) capsule to be taken by mouth. Solutions and tablets are usually taken once or twice a day with or without food. The capsule is taken with or without food once a day. Swallow the extended-release capsules whole; do not chew, divide, or crush. If you are unable to swallow the extended-release capsules, you can carefully open the capsule and sprinkle the contents with a spoonful of apple sauce. Swallow the mixture without chewing it. Do not save this mixture to be used at a later time.
Drugs 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 years and older)
- Typical starting dosage: 5 mg taken once per day.
- Dosage increases: The dosage can increase up to 5 mg twice per day or higher.
- Maximum dosage: 20 mg per day.
Missed Dose
Missing one or two-dose of Memantine won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Memantine tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Allergy Warnings
- Itching
- Hives
- Rashes
- Peeling or Blistering skin
- Swelling of the tongue
- Trouble in Breathing
Warnings for people with Serious Health Conditions
For people with Kidney Problems
If your kidneys are not working well, more of this medicine may stay longer in your body. This puts you at greater risk of having side effects. If you have severe kidney problems, your doctor may reduce your dose of this medicine.
For people with Liver Problems
Tell your doctor if you have a history of serious liver problems. If your liver is not working well, more of this medicine may stay longer in your body. This puts you at greater risk of having side effects.
Pregnant Women
There have not been enough human studies to show whether memantine poses a risk to a human fetus. Some negative effects have been observed in animal studies, but animal studies do not always predict how humans would respond.
Breastfeeding
It's not known if this drug is passing through breast milk. It may cause serious effects in a breastfeeding child if it does. Talk to your doctor if you are currently taking this medicine and you are thinking about breastfeeding.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Before taking memantine consult your Doctor. In case if you face any problems or get any side effects after taking memantine rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take memantine.
Memantine Vs Donepezil
Memantine |
Donepezil |
|---|---|
| Memantine is a prescription medicine. Memantine oral tablet is available as the name of the drug Nameda. | Donepezil is a prescription medicine. It comes in two oral tablets: the oral tablet and the oral disintegrating tablet (ODT). Donepezil oral tablet is available as a brand name drug called Aricept. |
| Memantine is in a class of drugs called NMDA receptor antagonists. It works by decreasing abnormal brain activity. | Donepezil is used to treat Alzheimer's disease-related confusion. It does not cure Alzheimer's disease, but it can improve memory, awareness, and ability to function. |
Some of the common side effects of Memantine are:
|
Some of the common side effects of Donepezil are:
|
