memantine hydrochloride (Namenda®, Ebixa®)
Namenda is an NMDA receptor agonist
used as a treatment if moderate to severe dementia of the type caused by
Alzheimer's disease. It is a symptomatic treatment; it cannot cure the
disease or stop its progression. It is also now being prescribed off-label for a number of other purposes, including the prevention of headache and Migraine.
Type of medication: Rx, NMDA receptor
agonist
How supplied: tablets, liquid.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
- FDA pregnancy category B. Animal studies show no risk or adverse fetal effects but controlled human 1st trimester studies not avail/do not confirm; no evidence of 2nd or 3rd trimester risk; fetal harm possible but unlikely; see package insert drug-specific recommendations.
- It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk. Do not take without talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Other medical
conditions:
The presence of other medical problems may
affect the use of any medication. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any
other medical problems, especially those listed below.
- kidney disease
- urinary tract problems
- epilepsy or history of seizure
Other
medications:
Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescription or
over-the-counter medications, especially those listed below.
- other NMDA agonists including amantadine (Symmetrel), ketamine, and dextromethorphan (Robitussin, others).
- acetazolamide (Diamox)
- brinzolamide (Azopt)
- cimetidine (Tagamet)
- dichlorphenamide (Daranide)
- dorzolamide (Trusopt)
- methazolamide (GlaucTabs, Nepatazane)
- nicotine (Nicoderm, Nicorette, others)
- potassium citrate and citric acid (Cytra-K, Polycitra-K)
- ranitidine (Zantac)
- sodium bicarbonate (Soda Mint, baking soda)
- sodium citrate and citric acid (Bicitra, Oracit)
- and quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex).
Potential side effects:
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
- Less common
- blurred vision
- headache
- dizziness
- nervousness
- pounding in the ears
- rapid weight gain
- slow or fast heartbeat
- swelling of face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
- tingling of hands or feet
- unusual weight gain or los
- Frequency of occurrence unknown:
- abdominal pain
- agitation
- black, tarry stools
- bleeding gums
- blistering, peeling, loosening of skin
- blood in urine or stools
- chest pain
- constipation
- continuing vomiting
- convulsions
- dark-colored urine
- decreased urine output
- depression
- fainting
- fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
- general feeling of tiredness or weakness
- high fever
- high or low blood pressure
- hostility
- increased sweating
- indigestion
- itching
- lethargy
- light-colored stools
- lip smacking or puckering
- loss of consciousness
- muscle twitching
- numbness or tingling in face, arms, legs
- pain or swelling in arms or legs absent of injury
- palpitations
- pinpoint red spots on skin
- pounding, slow heartbeat
- rapid or worm-like movements of tongue
- rapid weight gain
- red irritated eyes
- sores, ulcers, or white spots in mouth or on lips
- trouble speaking or walking
- troubled breathing
- twitching, twisting, uncontrolled repetitive movements of tongue, lips, face, arms, or legs
- unusually pale skin
- yellow eyes and skin
Other side effects may occur that don't usually require medical attention. They may dissipate as your body adjusts to the medication. However, consult your doctor if any of the following continue or are bothersome or worrisome:
- More common:
- Confusion
- Less common:
- anxiety
- back pain
- bladder pain
- change in walking and balance
- chills
- clumsiness or unsteadiness
- cough
- difficult, burning, or painful urination
- diarrhea
- dry mouth
- fear
- feeling sad or empty
- general feeling of discomfort or illness
- hyperventilation
- insomnia
- irritability
- joint pain
- loss of appetite
- loss of interest or pleasure
- lower back or side pain
- nausea
- sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
- sore throat
- tiredness
- trouble concentrating
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- Frequency of occurrence unknown:
- burning feeling in chest or stomach
- cold sweats
- cool pale skin
- decreased interest in sexual intercourse
- general feeling of discomfort or illness
- heartburn
- inability to have or keep an erection
- increased hunger;
- loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
- nightmares
- shakiness
- slurred speech
Brand Names:
- U.S.: Namenda
- Canada: Ebixa
More Information:
