Memantine

Uses of Memantine

Memantine is used to treat moderate to severe dementia in adults with Alzheimer’s disease. It helps reduce dementia symptoms, but it doesn’t cure or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Precautions and Warnings

Before taking memantine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any memantine, Namenda, or any inactive ingredients in the tablets or capsules.

Tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions including if you:

• Have a seizure disorder
• Have cataracts
• Have liver or kidney disease
• Have a bladder or kidney infection
• Have problems passing urine
• Are pregnant or intending to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding.

It is not known if memantine is safe and effective in children.

Pregnancy – It is not known if memantine will harm an unborn baby.

Breastfeeding – It is not known if memantine passes into your breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby during treatment.

Dosage

The usual starting dose of memantine is 5 mg once daily.

• This can be increased in 5 mg increments to a maximum dose of 10 mg twice daily.
• Your healthcare provider should allow at least one week before dosage increases before increasing the dose again.
• The maximum dose of memantine for people with severe kidney disease is 5mg twice daily.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Confusion
• Constipation