Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Namenda

Generic Name: memantine (Pronunciation: meh MAN teen)

• What is memantine (Namenda)?
• What are the possible side effects of memantine (Namenda)?
• What is the most important information I should know about memantine (Namenda)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking memantine (Namenda)?
• How should I take memantine (Namenda)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Namenda)?
• What happens if I overdose (Namenda)?
• What should I avoid while taking memantine (Namenda)?
• What other drugs will affect memantine (Namenda)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is memantine (Namenda)?

Memantine reduces the actions of chemicals in the brain that may contribute to the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Memantine is used to treat moderate to severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type.

Memantine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of memantine (Namenda)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using memantine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• cough, chest tightness, fever, trouble breathing;
• chest pain, fast heart rate;
• confusion, hallucinations;
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• lack of coordination;
• fainting or seizure (convulsions);
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; or
• increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure).

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite;
• dizziness, tired feeling;
• weight loss;
• swelling in your hands or feet;
• fast heart rate;
• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
• joint pain;
• anxiety, aggression;
• skin rash;
• redness or swelling of or around your eyes; or
• urinating more than usual.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about memantine (Namenda)?

Before using memantine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have a seizure disorder, cataracts, liver or kidney disease, or a bladder or kidney infection.

Memantine 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.