Medication Information:
Memantine (Generic) - Namenda (Brand)

Classification: NMDA receptor antagonist.
Common Usage: Memantine is used for treatment of moderate to severe dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Major Side Effects: The most common side effects occurring in clinical trials of memantine were dizziness, confusion, headache, and constipation.

If you are are planning to become pregnant, are pregnant or are a nursing mother, the potential benefits of this drug must be weighed against the possible hazards. Discuss these issues in advance with all of your health care providers.

This is not a complete list of all known or potential adverse effects.  Notify your prescriber or pharmacist of any symptoms that have started since you began taking this medication, changing its dose, or adding or changing other medication or diet.  Take care when performing any task (for example, driving or operating machinery) that requires your attention until you have experience with this drug and are confident you can perform the task safely.

Interactions with Other Medications: Conditions that alter the pH of urine towards alkaline conditions may lead to an accumulation of memantine with a possible increase in adverse effects. Urine pH is altered by diet, drugs (e.g. carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, sodium bicarbonate) and the patient's medical condition (renal tubular acidosis or severe urinary tract infections); memantine should be used with caution under these conditions.  The combined use of memantine with other NMDA antagonists (amantadine, ketamine and dextromethorphan) has not been evaluated; combining these drugs should be done with caution. Memantine does not appear to interfere with the activity of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil.

This is not a complete list of all known or potential drug interactions.  To help prevent problems, always make sure your pharmacist and all prescribers know all the medications you are taking.  This includes over-the-counter drugs and any dietary or herbal supplements or medications.

Common Dosages:  The recommended starting dose of memantine is 5 mg once daily, with a target dose of 20 mg/day. Dosage should be increased in 5 mg increments to 10 mg/day (taken as 5 mg, twice a day), 15 mg/day (5 mg and 10 mg as separate doses) and 20 mg/day (10 mg twice a day); there should be at lease one week between each dose increase. Memantine can be taken with or without food.

For patients with moderate renal impairment, a dose reduction should be considered. Memantine is not recommended for patients with severe renal impairment.

Identification: Memantine is available as 5-mg and 10-mg capsule-shaped tablets. All tablets are imprinted with "FL" on one side and either "5" or "10" in the other side. The 5-mg tablets are the tan; the 10-mg tablets are the gray.

Storage: Store this medication at normal room temperature (59° F to 86° F) in a tightly closed, light- and moisture-resistant container.  If you have difficulty opening child-resistant containers, your pharmacist can provide a container that is easier to open.  Keep the medication out of direct sunlight and avoid storing it in a warm or humid area - such as the bathroom or kitchen - to prevent deterioration.  To prevent accidental poisoning, keep all medications out of the reach of children.  Do not take an expired medication.  Do not transfer medication from one container to another.  Carefully discard discontinued medication where children cannot find it.

A SERVICE OF…. The Brown University Psychopharmacology Update

Note: These guidelines are for general information only. For more specific information, consult your physician or pharmacist.