What is memantine Namenda used for?
Memantine is used to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (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 medications called NMDA receptor antagonists.
What is the difference between donepezil and Namenda?
Aricept (donepezil) works for all stages of Alzheimer’s, and most forms of it are available in generic. Slows progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Namenda (memantine) can slow the progression of symptoms in moderate and severe Alzheimer’s disease, but cannot cure it.
What is Namenda XR used for?
NAMENDA XR (memantine hydrochloride) extended-release capsules are indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. The dosage of NAMENDA XR shown to be effective in a controlled clinical trial is 28 mg once daily. The recommended starting dose of NAMENDA XR is 7 mg once daily.
What are side effects of Namenda?
What Are Side Effects of Namenda?
- tiredness,
- body aches,
- joint pain,
- dizziness,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- diarrhea,
- constipation,
Does Namenda improve memory?
It does not cure Alzheimer’s disease, but it may improve memory, awareness, and the ability to perform daily functions. This medication works by blocking the action of a certain natural substance in the brain (glutamate) that is believed to be linked to symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
How long can you take Namenda?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two types of medications to treat dementia symptoms: cholinesterase inhibitors (Aricept, Razadyne, Exelon) and memantine (Namenda, Namenda XR). There is no clinical evidence that these drugs work beyond one year, and some patients do not benefit at all.
How does Namenda make you feel?
In double-blind placebo-controlled trials involving dementia patients, the most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 5% and higher than placebo) in patients treated with NAMENDA were dizziness, headache, confusion and constipation.
What is the best drug for dementia?
Medications. The following are used to temporarily improve dementia symptoms. Cholinesterase inhibitors. These medications — including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon) and galantamine (Razadyne) — work by boosting levels of a chemical messenger involved in memory and judgment.
What happens when you stop taking Namenda?
Decline in clinical condition on withdrawal. Many carers reported a worsening in the condition of the patient following antidementia drug removal. Deterioration was seen in behavioural and psychological symptoms, physical condition and functional status, or a general worsening in condition.
What are the common side effects of Namenda?
Some side effects of Namenda are dizziness, confusion, headache, sleepiness, constipation, vomiting, pain (especially in the back), and coughing. More serious side effects are rare but include shortness of breath and hallucination.
What is the generic name for Namenda?
Namenda Generic name: memantine (meh MAN teen) Brand name: Namenda, Namenda XR Drug class: Miscellaneous central nervous system agents
How should I take Namenda?
Namenda can be taken with or without food. Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release capsule. Swallow it whole. To make swallowing easier, you may open the extended-release capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow right away without chewing. Do not save the mixture for later use.
How does Namenda (memantine) treat dementia?
Medically reviewed on Feb 11, 2019. Namenda (memantine) reduces the actions of chemicals in the brain that may contribute to the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Namenda is used to treat moderate to severe dementia of the Alzheimer’s type.
What are the side effects of Namenda?
Namenda can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. You should not use Namenda if you are allergic to memantine. To make sure Namenda is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: a bladder or kidney infection.