Generic Namenda

Common use

Namenda contains memantine hydrochloride. It is a medication to treat Alzheimer's disease. Namenda has a different mechanism of action than other drugs in treatment of symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Namenda regulates the level of glutamate in the brain. Glutamate is involved in the processes of learning and memory and activates certain chemicals in the brain. Usually glutamate migrates to the nerve cells and attaches to the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor on the surface of the cells. Namenda regulates activity of glutamate by blocking this receptor and hereby protects nerve cells from the excessive stimulation by glutamate.



Dosage and direction

The recommended initial dose is 5 mg taken once daily. Gradually the dose may be increased by your doctor to 5 mg taken twice daily, then to 5 mg and 10 mg taken as separate doses daily, and then 10 mg taken twice daily. Take Namenda with or without food. Take it with or without food with a full glass of water.



Precautions

Before to take Namenda inform your doctor if you have cataracts, seizure disorder, liver or kidney malfuncition, infection in your bladder or kidney. This medication may change your ability to high concentration of attention. Be careful when you drive, or operate machinery. Inform your doctor about your planned pregnancy, actual pregnancy or breastfeeding.



Contraindications

Namenda cannot be used in the patients with hypersensitivity to the medication.



Possible side effect

Side effects of Namenda may include cough, chest tightness, increases in blood pressure, blurred vision, headache, fatigue, pain, dizziness, vomiting, headache, constipation, back pain, fast heart rate, confusion, hallucination, coughing, somnolence, sudden numbness or weakness, lack of coordination, difficulty in breathing, decreased urination or anuria, easy bruising or bleeding.



Drug interaction

Inform your about all medications you may take and especially about the following: cimetidine (Tagamet), nicotine (Commit, Nicotrol, Nicoderm, Nicorette, Habitrol), sodium bicarbonate (Alka-Seltzer, baking soda antacid home remedy); ranitidine (Zantac), quinidine ( Quinaglute, Cardioquin, Quinadex); a diuretic (water pill) such as hydrochlorothiazide (Hyzaar, HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Zestoretic, Lopressor, Vasoretic) or triamterene (Maxzide, Dyazide, Dyrenium); antiviral medication such as rimantadine (Flumadine) or amantadine (Symmetrel); moredicine to treat glaucoma, such as dichlorphenamide (Daranide), acetazolamide (Diamox), or methazolamide (Glauctabs, Neptazane, MZM); drugs which contain dextromethorphan; an oral diabetes medicine that contains metformin (such as Actoplus Met, Avanda met, Fortamet, Metaglip, Glucovance, Glucophage).



Missed dose

If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or almost time for your next dose. Do not increase your recommended dose. Take your usually dose next day in the same regularly time.



Overdose

Signs of overdose may include unusual behavior, drowsiness, hallucinations, restlessness, feeling light-headed, or fainting. You may need immediate medical attention in case of the overdose. If you suppose that took too much of this medication contact your doctor.



Storage

Store in a dry tight container away from sunlight at room temperature between 15-30 C (59-86 F) away from children and pets.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)