Namenda XR (Memantine)

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Namenda XR Brand
Dosage Quantity & Price
7mg
14mg
21mg
28mg
Memantine (Generic alternate to Namenda XR) Generic
Dosage Quantity & Price
21mg
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Table of contents:

Namenda XR is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD; a brain disease that slowly destroys the memory and the ability to think, learn, communicate, and handle daily activities). It contains memantine hydrochloride. Memantine is in a class of medications called NMDA receptor antagonists.

Namenda XR works by blocking the activity of a certain natural substance in the brain called glutamate. Glutamate is thought to be involved in the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, which affects memory, thinking, and behavior. By blocking glutamate, Namenda XR may help to slow down the progression of these symptoms in individuals with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease.

Use and Dosage

Namenda XR (Memantine) is an extended-release capsule that should be taken by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Swallow the capsules whole and do not crush or chew them because doing so can release all the drug at once, which can increase the risk of side effects. If you have difficulty swallowing the capsules whole, you can sprinkle the contents of the capsule on applesauce and swallow the mixture immediately without chewing. Do not prepare this mixture in advance.

The dosage of Namenda XR is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. However, the usual recommended dosage of Namenda XR, as shown to be effective in a controlled clinical trial, is 28 mg taken once daily. Your doctor may direct you to start with a low dose and gradually increase it to reduce the risk of side effects. If you are switching from another form of memantine to Namenda XR, talk to your doctor before making the switch.

If you are switching from another form of memantine to Namenda XR, talk to your doctor before making the switch. To get the most benefit from Namenda XR, it should be taken regularly at the same time each day.

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. To help you remember to take memantine, take it at around the same time(s) 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.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects of Namenda XR (Memantine):

  • Aggression
  • Confusion
  • Constipation
  • Cough
  • Depression
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Pain anywhere in your body, especially your back
  • Sleepiness
  • Vomiting
  • Weight gain

Serious Side Effects of Namenda XR (Memantine):

  • Blurred vision
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Hallucination (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
  • Hives
  • Pounding in your neck or ears
  • Seizures
  • Severe headache
  • Shortness of breath
  • Swelling of your face lips tongue or throat
  • Unusual changes in mood or behavior

Forms and Strength

Namenda XR (Memantine) is available in the following forms and strength:

Namenda XR: Extended-Release Capsule

  • 7 mg
  • 14 mg
  • 21 mg
  • 28 mg

Memantine: Extended-Release Capsule

  • 21 mg

Cautions

  • The medication should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems.
  • Caution should be exercised when using Namenda XR in patients who have a seizure disorder or who are taking drugs that lower seizure threshold.
  • Namenda XR should be used with caution in patients who have bladder problems or who are at risk for developing urinary tract obstruction.
  • The medication should be used with caution in patients who have liver problems.
  • The use of Namenda XR during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended without a doctor's advice.
  • Namenda XR may interact with other medications, such as dextromethorphan, hydrochlorothiazide, and cimetidine, among others. Inform the prescribing doctor of all medications being taken to prevent potential drug interactions.
  • Namenda XR may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Patients should not drive or operate heavy machinery until they know how the medication affects them.
  • Patients should inform their doctor of any history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or stroke.
  • If a patient has stopped taking Namenda XR for several days, they should not restart the medication at the same dose as before without consulting a doctor.
  • Namenda XR may cause an increase in blood pressure, which should be monitored regularly in patients with hypertension.
  • The medication should be used with caution in patients with a history of overactive thyroid. Again, emphasize that this is not an exhaustive list of cautions associated with Namenda XR, and patients should always follow their doctor's advice and guidance when taking this medication.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take for Namenda XR to start working?

Namenda XR may take several weeks to start working. Patients should continue taking the medication as directed by their doctor, even if they do not notice an immediate improvement in their symptoms.

Can Namenda XR be used in patients with mild dementia?

Namenda XR is typically used in patients with moderate to severe dementia related to Alzheimer's disease. However, a doctor may prescribe it for patients with mild dementia in certain cases.

Is Namenda XR the same as Namenda?

Namenda XR and Namenda are both formulations of memantine, but they differ in their dosing schedules. Namenda XR is taken once daily, while Namenda is typically taken twice daily.

Can Namenda XR be crushed or chewed?

No, Namenda XR should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed.

Resources

It's important to purchase Namenda XR from verified Canadian pharmacy.

Additional information

Generic name:

Memantine

Formulation:

Extended Release Capsule

Strength(s):

7mg, 14mg, 21mg, 28mg

Quantities Available:

90

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