Namenda (Memantine Hydrochloride) belongs to a class of orally active NMDA receptor antagonist medications. This medication cannot fully cure Alzheimer's disease, but it may improve memory, awareness and one’s ability to perform daily functions. Furthermore, Namenda (Memantine Hydrochloride) may be described as a fine white to off – white powder, which is soluble in water.
Namenda (Memantine Hydrochloride) is used in the effective treatment of one who suffers from a marginal confused state of mind or severe confusion (leading to dementia), both related to Alzheimer`s disease. Furthermore, Namenda (Memantine Hydrochloride) is used to help effectively block the action of glutamate (a certain natural substance within the brain) that is linked to symptoms of Alzheimer`s disease.
Namenda (Memantine Hydrochloride) is available as capsule – shaped, film – coated tablets, which must be taken by mouth, usually swallowed whole with a glass of water and may be taken with or without food. You must be certain to follow the directions on the prescription label carefully and ask your health care professional or pharmacist to explain any part of this medication you do not understand. Special care may be required pertaining to the use of Namenda (Memantine Hydrochloride) in children. Furthermore, you must also be sure to take Namenda (Memantine Hydrochloride) exactly as directed and refrain from taking a greater or lesser quantity of this medication or altogether taking this medication more or less often than prescribed by your health care professional. Be sure that you do not suddenly discontinue this medication without prior confirmation from your health care professional. While on an ongoing course of Namenda (Memantine Hydrochloride) your diet may require certain changes, hence consult your health care professional about the same. This medication is available in the form of an oral solution as well.
While on an ongoing course of Namenda (Memantine Hydrochloride) if you notice any of the symptoms listed below, or any other symptoms which may seem severe or persistent, you must contact your health care professional. Sometimes, Namenda (Memantine Hydrochloride) may cause the patient to experience incontinence (difficulty holding back the urge to urinate immediately), back pain, swelling within the throat, sudden weight loss, dizziness, easy bruising, joint pain, fainting spells and fever. Furthermore, Namenda (Memantine Hydrochloride) may cause the patient to experience disorientation, fatigue, constipation, drowsiness, mild agitation, skin rashes, headaches, a cough and vomiting.
If you are on an ongoing course of Namenda (Memantine Hydrochloride) before you commence taking any new medication (either prescription or OTC), you must first consult your health care professional or pharmacist. Furthermore, you must be sure to inform your health care professional if you are allergic to Namenda (Memantine Hydrochloride) or any other medication in any other form. Your health care professional must also be informed if you are taking any other medication in any other form, including nutritional supplements or herbal products whilst on an ongoing course of this medication. Sometimes, Namenda (Memantine Hydrochloride) interacts with various medications, such as Dextromethorphan, Trihexyphenidyl, Pramipexole, Amantadine carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, such as Acetazolamide and Methazolamide, Ropinirole, Ketamine, Ranitidine, Quinidine and Levodopa. Furthermore, Namenda (Memantine Hydrochloride) interacts with various medications, such as Pergolide, Fortamet, Hydrochlorothiazide, Triamterene, Glucophage, Sodium Bicarbonate, antihistamines, varied supplements and numerous types of vitamins or herbal products.
In case of an overdose of Namenda (Memantine Hydrochloride), call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911. Furthermore, symptoms of an overdose of Namenda (Memantine Hydrochloride) may appear as restlessness, a personality change, mild hallucinations, excessive drowsiness or fainting spells.
Your health care professional will order certain laboratory and/or medical tests to be performed, such as blood pressure levels, smooth functioning of the kidneys, blood electrolyte levels and blood cholesterol levels to check your response to Namenda (Memantine Hydrochloride), monitor your progress and check for side effects. You must be sure to keep all appointments with your health care professional and the laboratory. Do not let anyone else take your Namenda (Memantine Hydrochloride) and ask your health care professional or pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. Furthermore, if you need to undergo any kind of surgery, including dental surgery, or you conceive whilst on a course of Namenda (Memantine Hydrochloride) inform your health care professional. You must be sure to inform your health care professional if you are pregnant, breast feeding or planning to conceive. It is unknown whether Namenda (Memantine Hydrochloride) passes into breast milk or not. Lastly, avoid consuming alcohol and beverages containing even a small percentage of alcohol whilst on an ongoing course of Namenda (Memantine Hydrochloride). It is important that you do not discontinue this medication without first consulting your health care professional. While on an ongoing course of Namenda (Memantine Hydrochloride), you must also refrain from driving a car or operating any kind of machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
It is important that you do not take a double dose of Namenda (Memantine Hydrochloride) to make up for a missed one unless you have consulted your health care professional.
You must speak with your health care professional about the possible risks of using Namenda (Memantine Hydrochloride) for your condition and be sure to consult your health care professional or pharmacist for more information, since this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses.
Store Namenda (Memantine Hydrochloride) in the container it came in, keep the lid tightly closed and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature (between 59 – 86 degrees F or 15 – 30 degrees C) and away from excess heat and moisture. Furthermore, you must be sure to throw away any Namenda (Memantine Hydrochloride) medication that has gotten outdated or is no longer required. You must speak with your pharmacist or health care professional about the proper disposal of this medication.
It is important for the patient to know that before consuming Namenda (Memantine Hydrochloride); they must inform their health care professional, if they have ever had a history of, or are currently suffering from, kidney complications, urinary tract infections, bladder complications, cataracts, liver complications, seizure complications or asthma. Furthermore, while on an ongoing course of Namenda (Memantine Hydrochloride) you must be sure to inform your health care professional if you smoke, since smoking will decrease the effectiveness of this medication.