NMDA Inhibitors

NMDA inhibitors include memantine (Namenda).

• How NMDA inhibitors work: Inhibits N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain. NMDA receptor action is theorized to contribute to Alzheimer symptoms.



• Who should not use these medications: Individuals with an allergy to NMDA inhibitors, such as memantine or amantadine, should not take them.



• Use: Administered orally (by mouth) with or without food.



• Drug or food interactions:
  
  
  • Drugs that increase urine pH (make the urine more alkaline), such as sodium bicarbonate or acetazolamide (Diamox) may increase accumulation of memantine in the body and cause toxicity.
  
  
  
  • Other NMDA inhibitors may increase toxicity, such as amantadine (Symmetrel) or dextromethorphan (Robitussin).
  
  
  
  • Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril), triamterene (Dyrenium, Maxzide), cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), quinidine (Quinaglute), or nicotine may alter the levels of memantine in the body.
     
• Side effects:
  
  
  • Common adverse effects include the following: 
    
    
    • Dizziness
    
    
    
    • Headache
    
    
    
    • Constipation
    
    
    
    • Increased blood pressure
       
  • Contact a doctor immediately if the following occur:
    
    
    • Increased heart rate
    
    
    
    • Fainting
    
    
    
    • Allergic reaction (itching, hives, swelling of face, hands, tongue, or throat)
       
  • Use caution with kidney impairment