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Memantine |
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What is Memantine and why is it prescribed? Memantine may reduce the actions of the chemical glutamate at certain receptors in the brain. Increased activity of glutamate at this receptor has been associated with symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Memantine is used in the treatment of moderate to severe dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Memantine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or fainting. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, or fainting, avoid these activities. How should you take Memantine? Follow your doctors directions for taking Memantine. Memantine dosages of 5 mg per day should be taken once a day, as a single dose. Doses larger than 5 mg per day should be divided into two doses, approximately 12 hours apart. Follow your doctor's instructions. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Memantine can be taken with or without food. Increases in dosage should be done slowly, with at least one week between each increased dose. Follow your doctor's instructions. It is important to take Memantine regularly to get the most benefit. Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with Memantine to monitor progress and side effects. If you miss a dose take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of Memantine unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Store Memantine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Are there any Memantine side effects? Memantine side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Memantine side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness or fainting, increased blood pressure, headache, constipation, nausea or vomiting, confusion or hallucinations, and coughing. Stop taking Memantine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, closing of the throat, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, or hives). What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Memantine? If Memantine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Before taking Memantine, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: the antiviral medicines amantadine (Symmetrel) or rimantadine (Flumadine), the cough medicine dextromethorphan (found in many prescription and over-the-counter cough and cold products), a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor such as acetazolamide (Diamox), dichlorphenamide (Daranide), or methazolamide (Neptazane, MZM, Glauctabs), or potassium citrate (Urocit K, K-Lyte, Effer-K, others). You may not be able to use Memantine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above. Are there any special warnings about Memantine? Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Memantine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or fainting. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, or fainting, avoid these activities. |
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