Namenda
(memantine)
Slows progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Our bottom line
Namenda (memantine) can slow the progression of symptoms in moderate and severe Alzheimer's disease, but cannot cure it.
- Drug class: Neurology
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (memantine)
Upsides
- Available in different formulations for easy administration.
- Available in a cheap, generic version.
- Compared to alternatives that treat Alzheimer's disease, Namenda (memantine) has less side-effects.
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What to expect from Namenda, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- Namenda (memantine) doesn't stop or reverse the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
- Doesn't work as well in early stages of Alzheimer's.
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What to expect from Namenda, on one page
Download Fact SheetNamenda (memantine) is an NMDA receptor blocker, which works on your brain to prevent overstimulation and cell death.
- Drug class: Neurology
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (memantine)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Extended release
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.
Pay as low as$475.82Retail priceRetail priceLearn more- CostcoGet free coupon$468.52
- Medicine ShoppeGet free coupon$480.32
- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$482.56
What to expect when you take Namenda (memantine) for Alzheimer's disease
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Coughing
- High blood pressure
Side effect rates for Namenda (memantine)
- Dizziness7%7%5%5%
- Headache6%6%3%3%
- Confusion6%6%5%5%
- Constipation5%5%3%3%
- High blood pressure4%4%2%2%
- Coughing4%4%3%3%
- Pain3%3%1%1%
- Vomiting3%3%2%2%
- Back pain3%3%2%2%
- Sleepiness3%3%2%2%
- Hallucination3%3%2%2%
- Fatigue2%2%1%1%
- Difficulty breathing2%2%1%1%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Namenda.
People taking Namenda felt side effect more
People taking Namenda felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Namenda (memantine)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Taking certain medicines
- › Kidney problems
- › Those with severe urinary tract infections
Certain medications, health conditions, and the types of food you eat can raise the levels of Namenda (memantine) in the body and your risk of experiencing more side effects. Talk to your doctor to make sure it is safe for you to take Namenda (memantine).
Common concerns from people taking Namenda (memantine)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- You can take Namenda (memantine) with or without food.