Namenda (Memantine)
Purpose of Medication and Method of Action
Namenda is approved for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. Its mechanism of action differs from other agents used to treat Alzheimer’s. It acts by blocking a receptor in the brain called the NMDA receptor. When blocked, this prevents the influx of excess calcium into brain cells, a process believed to produce many of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Side Effects
Most side effects are mild and transient. The most common side effects are: dizziness, restlessness, hyperexcitability, and tiredness. Many of these can be reduced by altering the dose schedule.
Drug Interactions
No significant clinical interactions have been reported.
Cautions and Contraindications
Use with caution in patients with seizure disorders as Namenda may lower the seizure threshhold.
Usual Dose
Initally 5 mg/day for 1 week, then 10mg/day for one week then 15 mg daily for one week, then 20 mg daily thereafter. An occasional patient may benefit from a higher dose not to exceed 40 mg/day. Note: The higher doses have not been approved by the US FDA. Namenda may be taken with or without food. Tablets may be crushed for those patients not able to swallow tablets. Namenda is available as 5 and 10 mg tablets.
Patient Medication Information
These information sheets do not list all known side effects of the medications, only the most common side effects. For a complete list of side effects please contact your local pharmacy or the actual drug manufacturing company.