Namenda

Oral medication Namenda (memantine) is used to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. It functions by lessening the activity of brain chemicals that could be a factor in the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Health Benefits

It has been demonstrated that Namenda enhances cognitive abilities such as language, memory, and attention. Additionally, it might improve your capacity for carrying out regular tasks.

Namenda was successful in halting the progression of Alzheimer's disease in clinical trials. You can take Namenda by itself or in conjunction with other Alzheimer's drugs.

Risks and Side Effects

Namenda's most frequent adverse reactions are headache, lightheadedness, and confusion. Constipation, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting are some additional potential side effects.

Some people who take Namenda may experience severe side effects. These include liver issues, seizures, and allergic reactions. If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor right away.

There may be drug interactions with Namenda. Tell your doctor about all of your prescription, over-the-counter, and dietary supplements that you are taking.

Dosages

Both tablets and an oral solution are options for Namenda. 5 mg once daily is typically the starting dose. Depending on how you react to the medication, your doctor may change the dose.

Exactly as directed by your doctor, take Namenda. Never take more or less than what is prescribed.

If you forget to take a Namenda dose, do so right away unless it is almost time for your next dose. Skip the missed dose in that situation and carry on with your typical dosing schedule.

Interactions

There may be drug interactions with Namenda. Tell your doctor about all of your prescription, over-the-counter, and dietary supplements that you are taking.

Alcohol and Namenda may not react the same way. Your risk of experiencing side effects may increase if you consume alcohol while taking Namenda.

Medications like the following can interact with Namenda:

antidepressants

medication to treat anxiety

muscles relaxants

seizure treatments

taking painkillers

the treatment of allergies or colds

cardiovascular drugs

Mechanism of Action

The way Namenda works is by lowering the activity of brain chemicals that might be involved in the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. It is believed to function by obstructing glutamate, a chemical messenger involved in memory and learning.

A long-acting drug is Namenda. It gradually enters the body and is expelled from it over time. It can continue to have an impact all day long because of this.

Pharmacokinetics

Namenda is quickly absorbed from the digestive system. Its half-life is between 60 and 80 hours, meaning it can stay in the body for up to four days.

Urine is used to flush Namenda from the body. Only 1% of the medication is excreted unchanged.

Alternatives to Namenda

To treat Alzheimer's disease, a number of drugs are available. Memantine and cholinesterase inhibitors are examples of these.

Based on your symptoms and health situation, your doctor can assist you in selecting the best treatment option for you.

Clinical Trials

Numerous clinical studies on Namenda have been conducted. It is effective at halting the progression of Alzheimer's disease, according to these studies.

Consult your doctor if you're interested in taking part in a clinical trial. Clinical trials are a crucial stage in the creation of new Alzheimer's disease treatments.

Chemistry

White, crystalline powder known as Namenda is soluble in water.

The chemical make-up of Namenda is as follows:

Formula for molecules: C13H21ClN4O2S.

Weight in molecules: 323.8 g/mol

Storage and Stability

The recommended storage range for Namenda is 15–30 °C (59–86 °F). Medication should be kept in a tightly-closed, light-resistant container. Keep moisture away from it. Keep it out of the bathroom.

Keep Namenda out of children's reach. If the medication has expired or is broken, do not take it. Ask your pharmacist how to properly dispose of used or expired medication.