Memantine

Memantine is used to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD; a brain disease that affects memory, thinking, and behavior). Memantine is in a class of medications called NMDA receptor antagonists. It works by changing the activity of certain natural substances in the brain.

Memantine comes as a tablet, a solution (liquid), and an extended-release (long-acting) capsule to take by mouth. It is taken with or without food once to twice a day. Take memantine at around the same time every day.

Take memantine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the extended-release capsules whole; do not chew, divide, or crush them. If you are unable to swallow the extended-release capsules, you can carefully open a capsule and sprinkle the contents on a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow this mixture immediately without chewing it, Do not save this mixture to use at a later time.

If you are taking the oral solution, measure your dose using an oral syringe. Slowly squirt the medication from the syringe into a corner of your mouth and swallow it. Do not mix the medication with any other liquid.

Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of memantine and gradually increase your dose, not more than once every week.

Memantine helps to control Alzheimer's disease but does not cure it. Continue to take memantine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking memantine without talking to your doctor.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before taking memantine,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to this medication, any part of this medication, or any other medications, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while taking memantine. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• you should know the following nonprescription or herbal products may interact with memantine: dextromethorphan (Robitussin^®); sodium bicarbonate (Soda Mint, baking soda). Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking these medications before you start taking memantine. Do not start any of these medications while taking memantine without discussing with your healthcare provider.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had seizures, difficulty urinating, bladder problems, or kidney or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking memantine, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking memantine.
• ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking memantine. Alcohol can make the side effects from memantine worse.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking memantine.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you forget to take memantine for several days, call your doctor before you start to take the medication again.

Memantine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dizziness
• confusion
• aggression
• depression
• headache
• sleepiness
• diarrhea
• constipation
• nausea
• vomiting
• weight gain
• pain anywhere in your body, especially your back
• cough

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• shortness of breath
• hallucination (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)

Memantine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org

Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• restlessness
• slowed movements
• agitation
• weakness
• slowed heartbeat
• confusion
• dizziness
• unsteadiness
• double vision
• hallucination (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
• sleepiness
• loss of consciousness
• vomiting
• lack of energy
• sense that you or your surroundings are spinning

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking memantine

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.

• Namenda^®¶
• Namenda^® Titration Pak^¶
• Namenda XR^®¶
• Namzaric^®(as a combination product containing Donepezil, Memantine)