Drug Name

Namenda

Drug Uses

Namenda are used for treating moderate to severe Alzheimer-type dementia. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Namenda as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Take Namenda by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
If you miss a dose of Namenda, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Namenda.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Namenda are a NMDA-receptor antagonist. It works by blocking excess activity of a substance in the brain called glutamate, which may reduce the symptoms associated with Alzheimer disease. Namenda are not a cure for Alzheimer disease.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Storage

Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Namenda if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Namenda

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Namenda:
Some medical conditions may interact with Namenda. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have kidney problems or a condition that raises your urine pH balance (eg, urinary tract infection)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Namenda. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Amantadine, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (eg, acetazolamide), dextromethorphan, ketamine, or sodium bicarbonate because they may increase the risk of Namenda's side effects.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Namenda may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Constipation; dizziness; headache; pain.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); change in behavior, such as aggressiveness, depression, or anxiety; chest pain or tightness; fainting; hallucinations; one-sided weakness; severe tiredness; speech changes; sudden severe headache; vision changes.

More Information

If you have any questions about Namenda, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Namenda are to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.