Memantine is a prescription medication used to improve symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and is often combined with other dementia treatments.
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. It helps improve memory, thinking, and ability to perform daily tasks in people with Alzheimer's disease. Memantine is typically used as part of combination therapy.
What are the Uses of Memantine Tablet?
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.
Memantine is commonly prescribed for:
Alzheimer's disease: Helps reduce confusion and improve memory and focus.
Dementia-related cognitive decline: Used in combination with other medications to slow progression.
Secondary Uses of Memantine
In some cases, doctors may prescribe memantine off-label for:
How Does Memantine Tablet Work (Mechanism of Action)?
This medicine works by blocking abnormal brain activity, which can improve memory and slow Alzheimer's progression.
Memantine is an NMDA receptor antagonist. It works by regulating glutamate, a brain chemical linked with learning and memory. In Alzheimer's disease, glutamate is often overactive, which can damage brain cells. Memantine helps block this excess activity, promoting better brain function.
Dosage Instructions for Memantine
Memantine dosage depends on your condition, kidney function, and doctor's advice, never adjust the dose without consulting your doctor.
How to Take Memantine
Forms: Memantine comes as a tablet, a solution (liquid), and an extended-release capsule.
Tablets and solutions: Taken once or twice daily, with or without food.
Extended-release capsules: Taken once daily, with or without food.
Administration tip: If you can't swallow the extended-release capsule, open it and sprinkle on a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow without chewing.
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.
What Should I Do If I Miss a 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.
What Happens in Case of an Overdose?
An overdose of memantine can be harmful and may cause:
Certain people should use caution when taking memantine, especially those with liver, kidney, or allergy-related issues.
Avoid if allergic to memantine or similar drugs.
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 effects and 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.
Children: Safety and effectiveness in those under 18 have not been fully established.
Can You Take Memantine With Alcohol or Food?
Memantine can be taken with or without food, but alcohol should be avoided as it can increase drowsiness and confusion.
Possible Interactions With Other Medications
Memantine drugs may interact with some medications or supplements, so always share your full medical list with your doctor.
Drugs to monitor: Amantadine, ketamine, and dextromethorphan can increase side effects.
Sodium bicarbonate (antacids) may affect how the drug is cleared.
Herbal products: Always discuss before use.
How Should Memantine Be Stored?
Proper storage keeps your medication'safe and effective. Follow these guidelines for best results.
Store at room temperature between 68°F-77°F (20°C-25°C)
Keep away from heat, light, and moisture
Do not freeze or store in the bathroom
Keep out of reach of children and pets
Incorrect storage can reduce its effectiveness or make it unsafe to use. Avoid using expired or poorly stored medication.
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 tablets, consult your doctor. In case of side effects or any issues, seek immediate medical attention.
Always carry your medication with you when travelling to avoid emergencies. Follow your doctor's prescription and advice for the best results.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Memantine may be an effective increase in therapy in patients with anxiety who remain symptomatic despite appropriate treatment with conventional antidepressant anxiolytics.
The usual maximum dose is 20 mg per day, taken as 10 mg twice daily. Always follow your doctor's prescribed dose.
Memantine should be stored at room temperature. Do not refrigerate unless the label or your pharmacist specifically advises it.
Memantine may take several weeks to show noticeable improvement in memory or behavior. Continue use as prescribed for full effect.
Memantine is approved primarily for adults with Alzheimer's. Its use in children is not well studied and requires medical evaluation.
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.
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