Memantine Tablets

What is this medication?

MEMANTINE (MEM an teen) is used to treat dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Namenda

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•difficulty passing urine

•kidney disease

•liver disease

•seizures

•an unusual or allergic reaction to memantine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You may take this medicine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Continue to take your medicine even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you do not take your medicine for several days, contact your health care provider. Your dose may need to be changed.

What may interact with this medication?

•acetazolamide

•amantadine

•cimetidine

•dextromethorphan

•dofetilide

•hydrochlorothiazide

•ketamine

•metformin

•methazolamide

•quinidine

•ranitidine

•sodium bicarbonate

•triamterene

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check with your doctor or health care professional if there is no improvement in your symptoms or if they get worse.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•agitation or a feeling of restlessness

•depressed mood

•dizziness

•hallucinations

•redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

•seizures

•vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•constipation

•diarrhea

•headache

•nausea

•trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 degrees and 30 degrees C (59 degrees and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.