Memantine

What is Memantine for?

Memantine belongs to a class of medication known as N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) antagonists. It is used to reduce the symptoms of moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, such as:

• Difficulty in remembering recent events, activities, or the names of familiar people or things
• Poor concentration and judgement

It will not cure or stop the dementia from getting worse, but it may improve the ability to think in some patients and slow down the worsening of these symptoms.

Check with your healthcare professional if you are unsure why you are given this medication.

How should I take or use Memantine?

• Follow the instructions on your medication label and take this medication as prescribed by your doctor.
• This medication may be taken with or without food.
• This medication needs to be taken regularly for a few weeks before you feel its full effects. Therefore, do not stop taking this medication even if there are no signs of improvement at the beginning.
• You may check with your doctor on how long you will have to be on this medication.
• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.

What should I do if I forget to take or use Memantine?

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if more than half of the time to the next dose has passed, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your usual timing.
• For example, for a medication to be taken once daily at 8am, and you missed your dose at 8am, take it as soon as you can remember before 8pm. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Memantine?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. If you are pregnant and/or breastfeeding, your doctor would have discussed the potential benefits and side-effects with you and should you have further questions or concerns, do consult your doctor.
• You are taking any other medications including over-the-counter medications, supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies. Some of these may affect how this medication works or cause serious drug interactions.
• You have or have ever had:
  • Other drug allergies
  • Medical conditions such as:
    • Heart, kidney or liver disease
    • Seizures (fits)

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Memantine?

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Memantine as it can cause excessive sleepiness.

Inform your doctor before making drastic changes to your diet. (E.g. switching from a meat-based diet to a vegetarian diet)

The following medication may increase the risk of experiencing side effects with Memantine. Discuss with your healthcare professional regarding alternative medication.

• Dextromethorphan, a medication used for cough
• Amantadine, a medication used for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease
• Ketamine, a medication used for the treatment of mental health conditions

What are some common side effects of Memantine?

• Dizziness
  • Get up slowly from a sitting or lying down position
• Drowsiness or feeling tired
  • Avoid driving or taking part in activities that require concentration
  • Discuss with your doctor if you can take your medication at a different time of the day
• Constipation
  • Drink more water (if not on fluid-restricted diet), eat more high-fibre foods, and exercise regularly
  • Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you need a medication to help with your constipation
• Headache

Most of the side effects listed here will improve with time. Speak with your doctor if any of them continues, worsens or affects your daily life.

What are some rare but serious side effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Rarely this medication may cause:

• Confusion
• Seeing or hearing things that are not present (hallucinations)
• Mood changes or low mood
• Seizures (fits)

If you experience any of these side effects, you should stop your medication and inform your healthcare professional immediately.

How should I store Memantine?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away Memantine safely?

Pack this medication into a trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.