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Memantine  (Systemic)

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Brand Names

In the U.S.—

  • Namenda

Category


Description

Memantine (me-MAN-teen) is used to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. Memantine is not a cure for Alzheimer's disease but it can help people with the disease. Memantine will not cure Alzheimer's disease, and it will not stop the disease from getting worse.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:



Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For memantine, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to memantine. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—Memantine has not been studied in pregnant women. However, memantine has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in animal studies.

Breast-feeding—It is not known whether memantine passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely when breast feeding. Mothers who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast feed should discuss it with their doctor.

Children—Studies on this medicine have only been done in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing the use of memantine in children with use in other age groups. This medicine is generally not used in children.

Older adults—This medicine has been studied in older adults and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of memantine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:


Proper Use of This Medicine

Dosing—

The dose of memantine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of memantine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of tablets that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day and the time allowed between doses will be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose—

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—

To store this medicine:


Precautions While Using This Medicine

It is very important that your healthcare professional check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.


Side Effects of This Medicine

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.



Developed: 03/02/2004

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