Memantine belongs to the group of medications known as NMDA receptor antagonists. It is used for the treatment of people with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. Memantine does not cure Alzheimer's disease, but it is used to decrease the symptoms. It works in the brain to improve thinking, memory, attention, and the ability to do simple tasks.

Your doctor may choose to use a medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The usual starting dose of memantine is 5 mg once daily. This dose is gradually increased, usually over a one-month period, to 10 mg twice daily. Memantine tablets can be taken with or without food.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Ebixa® is available as 10 mg tablets. Each white to off-white, scored, oblong tablet contains 10 mg of memantine. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal anhydrous silica, talc, magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate copolymer, sodium lauryl sulphate, polysorbate 80, triacetin, and simethicone emulsion.

This medication should not be taken by anyone who is allergic to memantine or any of the ingredients of the medication.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the medicine; check with your doctor if they continue or become bothersome.

Less common
• back pain
• constipation
• decreased appetite
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• fatigue
• pain
• headache
• nausea
• vomiting

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common
• anxiety
• confusion
• high blood pressure

Contact medical help immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common
• difficulty breathing

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Be sure to inform your physician of all your medical conditions before you begin taking a medication. Some conditions can affect how you should take this medication.

Eyes: People taking memantine should have regular check-ups from their eye doctor.

Heart disease: People with heart disease who take memantine should be closely followed by their doctors.

Kidney disease: Memantine is not recommended for people with severe kidney disease. People with moderate kidney disease may need a lower dose of memantine. If you have kidney disease, check with your doctor.

People over 85 years of age: Clinical studies of memantine did not include many people over the age of 85. Those over 85 should speak to their doctor about the risks and benefits of memantine.

Seizures: Memantine has not been studied with people who have seizure disorders (such as epilepsy). People with a history of seizure disorders should speak to their doctor about the risks and benefits of taking memantine.

Pregnancy: Memantine should not be used by women who are or may become pregnant unless, in the opinion of their doctor, the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

Breast-feeding: It is not known whether memantine passes into breast milk. For this reason, a decision should be made to either stop breast-feeding or stop taking memantine. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Children: It is not known whether memantine is safe or effective in children. For this reason, memantine is not recommended for use by children.

The following medications may affect how memantine works or increase the risk of side effects:

• cimetidine
• hydrochlorothiazide
• nicotine
• quinidine
• ranitidine
• triamterene

The following medications may be affected by memantine:

• anticholinergic medications (e.g., atropine, hyoscyamine)
• cimetidine
• dopamine agonists (e.g., romocriptine, pergolide, pramipexole, ropinirole)
• hydrochlorothiazide
• levodopa
• nicotine
• quinidine
• ranitidine
• triamterene

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications.