Namenda (Memantine) is an oral medicine. It is available in capsule/tablet and liquid solution form. This medicine reduces the action of a few brain chemicals. This in turn provides relief from symptoms of the Alzheimer’s disease. Memantine treats symptoms of moderate to severe dementia in patients. It is also beneficial for vascular dementia. Namenda is not a cure. After all, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. But, it may treat the symptoms and improve awareness, concentration, and memory.
In this Article You can learn about Benefits, Working, Side Effects of Namenda, and How to Buy Namenda Online.
1. History and Clinical Trials
The FDA approved Namenda in 2003. It is now available as a solution, tablet, and an extended-release capsule. Studies have shown the effectiveness of this medicine on people in late or mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Memantine performs better than placebo for dementia patients. The medication does cure deterioration of patients’ ability to perform tasks.
But Namenda definitely slows down the deterioration. Thus, patients can carry on with normal tasks such as getting dressed, bathing, brushing teeth, etc, with a greater ease. The medicine boosts mental performance in regards to remembering and learning.
2. Action Mechanism of Namenda
Smooth transference of neural signals to brain cells allows people to remember, think, and learn. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter. It helps to facilitate the process of carrying neural signals to brain cells. However, those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease have too much of this neurotransmitter. The over-availability of glutamate damages cells.
Excess of glutamate interferes in neural signals and communication to cells. It may in fact kill the brain cells and muddle the path of message transference. Namenda steps in here. It acts as a treatment for symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. The medicine prevents excess glutamate from interfering with neural signals. It also restricts killing and damaging of the cells.
3. Combination Treatment Option
Namenda is different from a cholinesterase inhibitor. The latter is also a medicine. Cholinesterase inhibitor, like Memantine, works for the relief of dementia symptoms. It is much useful in early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. These inhibitors increase communication between cells. However, these target a different neurotransmitter than glutamate. Namenda and cholinesterase inhibitor are many times prescribed together. Studies show that together these medicines alleviate the symptoms better.
4. Benefits of Namenda
This medication should be taken daily. The treatment improves the neuron synaptic plasticity. In layman’s terms, the medicine enhances communication between the brain cells. This helps the brain to remain flexible and learn. So the brain can change as per need. Namenda improves the ability to perform daily or normal tasks that are challenging for dementia patients.
- Users can get relief from severe restlessness on the intake of Memantine.
- The medicine has a visible effect at the night time. It keeps the patient calm by reducing the psychological symptoms.
5. How to Take Namenda?
People must take this medicine as per prescription. They should follow all the instructions on the prescription label for the best effect. If need arises, the doctor may occasionally alter the dosage. Patients should not take Namenda in small or larger amounts than what is prescribed.
- Namenda Capsule
One can take the medicine with or without food. Do not break, chew, crush, or open an extended-release capsule. One should swallow the capsule as a whole with water. If a person finds it hard to swallow the capsule then he/she can open the extended-release capsule. Then he/she should sprinkle the contents onto a spoonful of applesauce. Without chewing, the patient must swallow the contents right away. It is advisable to not keep the mixture for later use.
- Namenda in Liquid Form
If a person is taking the liquid form of Namenda, then he/she should use the dosing syringe provided. The person can also use a dose-measuring spoon or cup. In case the necessary device is unavailable, then one can get it from the pharmacist. It is advisable to not mix the oral medication with other liquids. One must clean the oral syringe after use. Rinse well and allow it to dry after every use.
6. Dosage Information
Namenda treats moderate to severe dementia seen in Alzheimer’s disease. Below-given are the instructions for the usual adult dosage.
- Immediate Release:Starting dosage: 5mg orally once a day, gradually increases by 5mg per weekMaintenance dosage: 5mg one time in a day up to 10mg two times in a dayMaximum Dosage: 20mg per day
- Extended Release:Starting dosage: 7mg orally one time in a day, gradually increased by 7mg per weekMaintenance dosage: 7mg one time in a day up to 28mg one time in a dayMaximum dosage: 28mg orally one time in a day
7. Namenda Side Effects
In case of allergic reactions or side effects to Namenda, the patient must get emergency help from a doctor. Some of the common side effects are dizziness, diarrhoea, constipation, and headache. Some of the serious side effects that require immediate medical attention are seizure or convulsions, severe headache, pounding in ears or neck, blurred vision, unusual changes in behaviour or mood.
- The medication can cause side effects that disrupt the patient’s reactions and impair thinking. Thus, one must not undertake any activities that require alertness and wakefulness (driving, operating heavy machinery, etc).
- Some of the allergic reactions include swelling of tongue/lips/face/throat, difficulty breathing, hives, etc.
- To avoid side effects of Namenda, one must not overdose or take the medication for a longer duration than that recommended.
8. What to Tell Doctor before Starting the Treatment?
Those allergic to Memantine must not take Namenda. To make the medicine safer for intake, the patients must tell the doctor if they have:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Cataract
- Kidney or bladder infection
- Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
- Urination problem
9. Which Medicines Interfere with Namenda?
Patients must let their doctor know the medicines they are currently taking. Some of the products and medicines to avoid with Memantine are:
- Medications to make the urine alkaline: sodium citrate and potassium (Citrolith, Polycitra), potassium citrate (K-Lyte, Urocit-K), urine sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate and citric acid (Oracit, Bicitra)
- Cough medicine that have dextromethorphan (Robitussin Maximum Strength, Delsym, Vicks 44, etc)
- Medications to treat increased pressure inside the eyes or glaucoma – methazolamide, acetazolamide
- Zonisamide
- Amantadine
To Conclude
Namenda (Memantine) is an excellent medication. It gives relief from the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia. It improves cognitive abilities such as alertness, memory, learning, thinking, and more. It brings changes in brain chemicals. The medicine thus improves the transfer of messages between neurons and brain cells. It helps patients of Alzheimer’s and dementia to perform normal and daily tasks with ease.
