Memantine
Information about Memantine
Memantine uses
Memantine is used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. It should be used in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease.
How memantine works
Memantine is an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist. Memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease is due to excessive production of glutamate (chemical messenger) in the brain which is mediated by NMDA receptors. Memantine works by preventing the action of NMDA receptors and regulates the production of glutamate. involved in the transmission of nerve signals. This is how it prevents memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease.
Common side effects of memantine
Dizziness, Headache, Confusion, Balance disorder (loss of balance), Weight gain, Vomiting, Drug allergy, High blood pressure, Shortness of breath, Gastrointestinal intolerance, Slow heart rate, Pancreatic inflammation, Blood cell abnormalities, Hallucination, Heart failure, Cholestatic liver disease, Fatigue, Seizure
Available Medicine for Memantine
Expert advice for Memantine
- You have been prescribed Memantine to slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
- It is well tolerated and has lesser side effects as compared to other similar medicines.
- Be cautious while driving or doing anything that requires concentration until you know how Memantine affects you.
- Inform your doctor if you have a history of seizures, kidney disease, heart disease, or liver disease.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions for Memantine
Memantine
Q. Does Memantine have abuse potential?
No, Memantine does not have abuse potential. On the contrary, it may prevent excess use of addictive drugs such as morphine or ethanol.
Q. What is dementia?
Dementia is a syndrome in which there is deterioration in memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities. Dementia is one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people worldwide. Alzheimer disease is the most common form of dementia which contributes to around 60 to 70% of cases.
Q. What are the symptoms of overdosage of Memantine?
The symptoms which can be observed due to an overdose of Memantine include tiredness, weakness, drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, and/or vomiting. Some may also experience diarrhea, vertigo, agitation, aggression, and walking difficulty.