Namenda (Memantine HCL) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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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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Namenda Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Namenda

Generic Name: memantine (Pronunciation: meh MAN teen)

What is memantine (Namenda)?

Memantine reduces the actions of chemicals in the brain that may contribute to the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Memantine is used to treat moderate to severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type.

Memantine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of memantine (Namenda)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using memantine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

cough, chest tightness, fever, trouble breathing;
chest pain, fast heart rate;
confusion, hallucinations;
sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
lack of coordination;
fainting or seizure (convulsions);
urinating less than usual or not at all;
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; or
increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure).

Less serious side effects may include:

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite;
dizziness, tired feeling;
weight loss;
swelling in your hands or feet;
fast heart rate;
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
joint pain;
anxiety, aggression;
skin rash;
redness or swelling of or around your eyes; or
urinating more than usual.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about memantine (Namenda)?

Before using memantine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have a seizure disorder, cataracts, liver or kidney disease, or a bladder or kidney infection.

Memantine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

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