Namenda®
Brand Name: Namenda®
Active Ingredient:   memantine 
Strength(s): 5 mg, 10 mg
Dosage Form(s):   Tablets
Company Name:    Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 
Availability:         Prescription only
*Date Approved by the FDA:   October 16, 2003
*Approval by FDA does not mean that the drug is available for consumers at this time.
What is Namenda used for?

Namenda is for patients with moderate to severe dementia from Alzheimer’s disease.

Who should not take Namenda?

Do not take Namenda if you are allergic to Namenda or any of its ingredients.

What should I tell my health care provider?

Tell your health care provider if you:

  • have kidney problems
  • have a condition or take other medicines that make your urine alkaline 
  • are pregnant, are trying to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Namenda and other medicines may affect each other, causing serious side effects. Especially tell your health care provider if you take:

  • medicines called NMDA antagonists such as amantadine (Symmetrel), ketamine (Ketalar) and dextromethorphan 
  • other medicines that pass out of the body through the kidneys such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), triamterene (TA), cimeditine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), quinidine and nicotine
  • medicines that make your urine more alkaline such as carbonic anhydrous inhibitors and sodium bicarbonate

What are some possible side effects of Namenda? (This is NOT a complete list of side effects reported with Namenda. Your health care provider or pharmacist can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)  

Some common side effects with Namenda include:

  • dizziness
  • headache
  • confusion 
  • constipation

For more detailed information about Namenda, ask your health care provider or pharmacist.

Link to Namenda's label

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Posted: 12/09/03