Namenda (Memantine)

Do’s

• The dosage and administration of Namenda depend on the form of the medication being used, individual medical conditions, and response to treatment.
• Take Namenda tablets by mouth with or without food as directed by your healthcare provider, usually twice daily. The initial dosage when starting the medication is usually once daily, and then it may be gradually increased based on the healthcare provider's instructions to reduce the risk of side effects.
• If you are taking Namenda oral liquid, follow the manufacturer's instruction sheet that comes with the bottle. Use the provided oral syringe to measure out your dose and swallow the medication directly from the syringe. Rinse the syringe with water after each use
• Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it and take it at the same time(s) each day to help remember. Inform your healthcare provider if your condition worsens.
• The dosage and administration of Namenda should be strictly followed as directed by your healthcare provider. If there are any questions or concerns about the medication, consult your healthcare provider for further guidance.
• Always remember to read the patient information leaflet if available from the pharmacist before starting to take Namenda and each time getting a refill. 

Don’ts

• Do not mix the oral liquid with water or other liquids. 
• Do not use a household spoon to measure the oral liquid because you may not get the correct dose.

Common Side Effects:

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache

Serious Side Effects:

• Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nervousness
• Pounding in the ears
• Rapid weight gain
• Slow or fast heartbeat
• Tingling of the hands or feet
• Unusual weight gain or loss
• Severe headache
• Blurred vision
• Pounding in the neck or ears
• Seizures
• Unusual changes in mood or behavior

Seek emergency medical help if signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, occur. Additionally, inform your healthcare provider if you experience any unusual or severe side effects.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Consult your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects.

The combined use of Namenda with other NMDA antagonists (amantadine, ketamine, and dextromethorphan) has not been systematically evaluated and should be approached with caution.

Conditions that raise urine pH may decrease the urinary elimination of memantine, resulting in increased plasma levels of memantine.

Patients should be instructed to follow the dose titration schedule provided by their healthcare provider for Namenda. 

Patients should be warned not to use any tablets of Namenda that are damaged or show signs of tampering.

A target dose of 5 mg twice daily is recommended in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance of 5-29 mL/min based on the Cockcroft-Gault equation).

Namenda should be administered with caution to patients with severe hepatic impairment.

This is not an exhaustive list of warnings and precautions for Namenda. Patients should consult their healthcare provider for comprehensive information and guidance.