This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Memantine (Ebixa) Consumer Information
MEMANTINE
Generic Name: memantine (meh MAN teen)
Brand Names: Ebixa, Namenda
What is the most important information I should know 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.
What is memantine?
- 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.
- Memantine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking memantine?
- Before taking memantine, tell your doctor if you have:
- a seizure disorder;
- kidney disease; or
- liver disease.
- You may not be able to take memantine or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Memantine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take memantine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- It is not known whether memantine passes into breast milk. Do not take memantine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take memantine?
- Take memantine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- 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.
- Store memantine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I 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.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
- Symptoms of a memantine overdose may include restlessness, psychosis, hallucinations, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness.
What should I avoid while taking 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.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.