What is Namenda (Memantine HCL)?

Namenda is one of the drugs which are helpful in reducing the chemical actions within the brain which might contribute to some of the Alzheimer’s disease symptoms.

Dementia is one of the conditions of mental decline that may result in constant memory impairment and complications with communication, learning, judgment and the quality to live life. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder which is a common type of dementia.

Namenda can be used in order to cure severe to moderate dementia of Alzheimer’s kind.

Some Basic and Vital Information regarding Namenda

Before taking Namenda, inform your physician in case you are allergic to Memantine or any other drugs, or if you are suffering from cataracts, seizure disorder, kidney or liver disease, or a kidney or bladder infection.

In case you are suffering from any of these conditions, you might require some special tests or dosage adjustment to take Namenda safely.

It is believed that Namenda can prove to very harmful to an unborn infant. Inform your doctor in case you are expecting or planning to get pregnant during this treatment. When Namenda passes into the breast milk of a mother, it could do harm to a nursing baby. So do not take Namenda without informing your physician if you are a nursing mother or breast-feeding a baby.

What Is the Exact Dosage to take Namenda?

You have to take Namenda exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Never try to take the medication for longer or in larger/smaller amounts than recommended by the doctor. You must follow the directions carefully mentioned on the prescription label.

Your doctor can change the dosage occasionally to ensure whether you are getting the best results from Namenda or not.

You have to take this medication with a glass of water. You can take it without or with your meals.

The oral solution (liquid form) of this drug comes with the patients instruction for effective and safe use. Always cautiously follow the directions. Ask your pharmacist or doctor in case you have any queries.

You should always rinse the oral syringe with the help of clean water and then allow it for dry after using it.

You can take Namenda XR capsules either as a whole or can open it, sprinkle on applesauce and then finally swallow it. You must consume the entire contents of Namenda XR capsule.

It is very essential to use the Namenda regularly to attain the amazing benefits. You should refill the stock of this medication before you run completely out of it.

To ensure whether this medication is assisting your condition without causing negative effects or not, the doctor should check your progress regularly. Never miss any of the scheduled appointments.

Always store Namenda away from heat and moisture and place it at the room temperature. In addition, you should not store the bottle having oral syringe in it.

Effectiveness of Namenda

Studies have proven that Namenda can hold up the rate of decline in the individual’s capability to think and perform the daily activities if he/she is suffering from severe to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

What would Happen in Case I Miss the Dosage?

You can take the missed dosage the moment you remember. If it’s almost the time to take the next dosage, then you can skip the missed one and take the next scheduled dosage. Never try to take the extra medicine in order to make up for the missed one.

What if I Take an Overdose?

Seek the emergency medical help in case you think that you have taken too much of this medicine.

Some of the overdose symptoms are drowsiness, restlessness, and hallucinations, feeling light-headed, fainting or unusual behavior.

What Would Happen If I Avoid Taking Namenda?

Namenda can result in some serious side effects that can impair your reactions or thinking capability. Be cautious while driving or doing something that requires attentiveness and alertness.

What are the Other Drugs which can Interact with Namenda?

Before using Namenda, inform your physician if you are taking any of these below-mentioned drugs:

• nicotine (Habitrol, Commit, Nicotrol, Nicoderm, Nicorette);
• cimetidine (Tagamet);
• quinidine (Quinadex, Cardioquin, Quinaglute);
• sodium bicarbonate (Alka-Seltzer);
• ranitidine (Zantac);
• antiviral medication like rimantadine (Flumadine) or amantadine (Symmetrel)
• cough or cold medicine which includes dextromethorphan;
• diuretic (water pill) like hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril, HCTZ, Hyzaar, Zestoretic, Vasoretic, Lopressor) or triamterene (Maxzide, Dyrenium, Dyazide);
• medicine to cure glaucoma like dichlorphenamide (Daranide), acetazolamide (Diamox), or methazolamide (MZM, Neptazane, Glauctabs); or
• oral diabetes medicine which includes metformin (like Glucophage, Fortamet, Avanda met, Actoplus Met, Glucovance, Metaglip)

This is not a complete list and there might be some other drugs which may interact with Namenda. Inform your physician about all over-the-counter medications and prescription you use. This includes minerals, vitamins, and herbal products prescribed by some other doctor. You cannot start any new medication without informing your doctor.

Some of the Side Effects of Namenda:

Seek emergency medical assistance if you experience the symptoms of an allergic reaction like difficulty in breathing, hives, swelling of the face, tongue, lips and throat. Stop the use of Namenda and call the doctor immediately if you notice some of these serious side effects:

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

Less serious side effects are:

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

Inform your doctor about the bothersome or unusual side effects. You can also report its side effects to FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.