Namenda (Memantine HCL) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Dementia »

Dementia facts*

*Dementia Facts Medically Edited by: Charles P. Davis, MD, PhD

Dementia is a term that describes a collection of symptoms that include decreased intellectual functioning that interferes with normal life functions and is usually used to describe people who have two or more major life functions impaired or lost such as memory, language, perception, judgment or reasoning; they may lose emotional and behavioral control, develop personality changes and have problem solving abilities reduced or lost.
There are different classification schemes for dementias roughly based (and with overlap) on observed problems; some frequently used are cortical (memory, language, thinking, social) , subcortical (emotions, movement, memory), progressive (cognitive abilities worsen over time), primary (results from a specific disease such as Alzheimer's disease and secondary (occurs because of disease or injury).
Alzhe...

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IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

MEMANTINE - ORAL

(MEM-an-teen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Namenda

USES: Memantine is used to treat moderate to severe confusion (dementia) related to Alzheimer's disease. It does not cure Alzheimer's disease, but it may improve memory, awareness, and the ability to perform daily functions. This medication works by blocking the action of a certain natural substance in the brain (glutamate) that is believed to be linked to symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, with or without food. When you first start taking this medication, you will usually take it once daily. Your dose will be gradually increased to lower the risk of side effects. Once your dose increases to more than 5 milligrams per day, take this medication twice daily or as directed by your doctor.

If you are taking memantine oral liquid, read the manufacturer's instruction sheet that comes with the bottle. Follow the directions exactly. Use the oral syringe that comes with the product to measure out your dose. Swallow the medication directly from the syringe. Do not mix it with water or other liquids. Rinse the syringe with water after each use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Do not stop taking it or increase the dosage unless your doctor instructs you to do so.

Inform your doctor if your condition worsens.