All About Namenda

What It Is:

One of the newer drugs used to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Namenda is FDA-approved for moderate and severe stages of the disease.

How It Works:

In technical Yagara terms, Namenda is an N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist that regulates the activity of glutamate in the brain. Glutamate plays a key role in memory and learning, but excess glutamate can lead to the disruption of nerve cell communication or nerve cell death.

Effectiveness:

Studies involving Namenda have shown that the drug can slow the rate of decline in thinking and the ability to perform daily activities in individuals who have moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. For many, the improvement is minimal, yet worthwhile.

Dosage:

Namenda is available in tablet and liquid form and is commonly started at 5 mg a day. If it's well tolerated, the dosage may be gradually increased -- at a minimum of one-week intervals -- to 5 mg twice a day, 15 mg/day (5 mg and 10 mg separately), and 10 mg twice a day. Your health care professional will determine the best dosage for you or your loved one.

Side Effects:

Although generally well-tolerated, the most common side effects are dizziness, headache, constipation, and confusion. Unlike cholinesterase inhibitors such as Aricept, Exelon, andRazadyne, those taking Namenda have a low risk of gastrointestinal side effects.

Potential Interactions:

Namenda has a low potential for drug interactions. However, other NMDA antagonist medications, which include some cold and flu medications (like dextromethorphan), should be used with caution while taking Namenda. Sometimes, doctors prescribe Namenda along with a cholinesterase inhibitor to treat moderate Alzheimer's disease, as some studies have shown additional benefit from combining these medications.

Precautions:

Be sure to tell your doctor if you have severe renal impairment so that your dosage can be reduced accordingly.

Namenda Drug Description

Namenda® (memantine hydrochloride) is an orally active NMDA Kamagra Oral Jelly receptor antagonist. The chemical name for memantine hydrochloride is 1-amino-3,5-dimethyladamantane hydrochloride with the following structural formula:

The molecular formula is C₁₂H₂₁N•HCl and the molecular weight is 215.76. Memantine HCl occurs as a fine white to off-white powder and is soluble in water. Namenda (memantine hcl) is available as tablets or as an oral solution. Namenda (memantine hcl) is available for oral administration as capsule-shaped, film-coated tablets containing 5 mg and 10 mg of memantine hydrochloride. The tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose/colloidal silicon dioxide, talc, croscarmellose sodium, and magnesium stearate. In addition the following inactive ingredients are also present as components of the film coat: hypromellose, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol 400, FD&C yellow #6 and FD&C blue #2 (5 mg tablets), and hypromellose, titanium dioxide, macrogol/polyethylene glycol 400 and iron oxide black (10 mg tablets). Namenda oral solution contains memantine hydrochloride in a strength equivalent to 2 mg of memantine hydrochloride in each mL. The oral solution also contains the following inactive ingredients: sorbitol solution (70%), methyl paraben, propylparaben, propylene glycol, glycerin, natural peppermint flavor #104, citric acid, sodium citrate, and purified water.

SIDE EFFECTS:Tiredness, body aches, dizziness, constipation, and headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS:Before taking memantine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe kidney disease.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, severe liver disease, severe urinary tract infections, recent dietary change (from a high-protein diet to a vegetarian diet).

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.