Memantine is a medication that comes in a tablet form. It treats dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia affects your thinking, memory, reasoning, personality, mood and behavior.
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MEMANTINE (MEM an teen) treats memory loss and confusion (dementia) in people who have Alzheimer disease. It works by improving attention, memory, and the ability to engage in daily activities. It is not a cure for dementia or Alzheimer disease.
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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Namenda
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth with water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You may take this medication with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Continue to take your medication even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your care team.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication 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.
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 medication for several days, contact your care team. Your dose may need to be changed.
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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.
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Check with your care team if there is no improvement in your symptoms or if they get worse.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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.
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 medication 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.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.