Memantine helps to reduce symptoms of dementia such as memory loss, confusion, and problems with thinking and reasoning in Alzheimer's disease.
Memantine cannot cure Alzheimer's disease, but it can improve the quality of life for people who have Alzheimer's.
Take Memantine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take Memantine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Memantine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. It may take several weeks before you notice any improvement in your condition. Continue taking Memantine even when there are signs of improvement. Do not stop taking Memantine unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.
If Memantine has been missed for several days, check with your doctor before restarting it.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know. They can give you some advice to help you remember your dosing schedule.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- urinary tract infections
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- heart disease
- high blood pressure
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Memantine may cause dizziness and tiredness. This medicine may also cause you to suddenly fall asleep during your daily activities such as eating and watching television. You may not feel drowsy before you fall asleep. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other common side effects of Memantine include any of the following: headache, constipation, vomiting, back pain and cough.
Your doctor may also ask you to monitor your blood pressure, particularly if you already have high blood pressure, as Memantine may increase blood pressure.
Let your doctor know if you experience:
- hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
- confusion
- difficulty in sleeping
- unusual changes in mood and behaviour (being too depressed or agitated)
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines which make your urine alkaline e.g. acetazolamide, sodium bicarbonate
- gastric medicines e.g. cimetidine, ranitidine
- medicines to remove excess water (water pills) e.g. hydrochlorothiazide
- muscle relaxants e.g. baclofen, dantrolene
- amantadine (an antiviral medicine used for Parkinson's disease)
- dextromethorphan (a cough medicine)
- warfarin (blood thinning medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Memantine.
Always notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Inform your doctor if you are a vegetarian or if you consume large amounts of citrus fruits, vegetables, beans or peas. These foods may affect the way Memantine works in your body.
Also let your doctor know if you make any drastic changes to your diet. For example, changing from a meat-based diet to a vegetarian diet.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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