Key facts about Namenda XR
What is Namenda XR?
Namenda XR is the brand name for memantine and is available as an extended-release capsule.
What dosages is Namenda XR available in?
Namenda XR is available as a 7 mg, 14 mg, 21 mg, 28 mg extended-release tablet.
What is Namenda XR used for?
Namenda XR is a NMDA antagonist and is used to treat moderate-to-severe dementia related to Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
How does Namenda XR work?
Namenda XR is an NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) antagonist. It works by lowering the activity of certain chemical messengers in your brain that are overly active in people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In doing so, it prevents these chemical messengers from causing further nerve damage in the brain. As a result, Namenda XR slows the worsening of memory loss linked to AD.
How do I take Namenda XR?
Namenda XR is typically started at 7 mg by mouth once daily. Your provider will slowly raise your dose once a week until you reach the recommended maintenance dose of 28 mg once daily.
Is it safe for me to take Namenda XR?
Namenda XR is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have a known hypersensitivity to memantine hydrochloride or to any excipients used in the formulation.
Namenda XR Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Namenda XR:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Confusion
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
Namenda XR Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Namenda XR.
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Namenda XR
The following medications may interact with Namenda XR:
- Drugs that make the urine alkaline: Alterations of urine pH towards the alkaline condition may lead to an accumulation of the drug with a possible increase in adverse effects. Urine pH is altered by diet, drugs (e.g. carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, sodium bicarbonate) and clinical state of the patient (e.g. renal tubular acidosis or severe infections of the urinary tract)
Who makes Namenda XR?
Allergan
Is Namenda XR safe in pregnancy?
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of memantine in pregnant women. Namenda XR should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
