Namenda

Dementia, Vascular, Dementia, Vascular, Alzheimer's Disease + 3 more

Treatment

4 FDA approvals

20 Active Studies for Namenda

What is Namenda

Memantine

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Memantine is a drug prescribed to treat Alzheimer’s Disease. It is different from other Alzheimer’s medications because it works in a different way than most other treatments. Memantine blocks the effects of glutamate, a chemical in the brain that can be overactive in Alzheimer’s Disease. The prevalence of Alzheimer's Disease is increasing quickly, with 44 million people living with the disease in 2013 and the number predicted to be 115 million by 2050. In 2013, the G8 dementia summit concluded that finding a cure or a disease-modifying therapy for Alzheimer's Disease should be a global priority, with the goal of having a

Namenda

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Namenda Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Namenda

Memantine

2003

235

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Memantine, commonly known as Namenda, is approved by the FDA for 4 uses like Alzheimer's Disease and moderate Alzheimer's Type Dementia .

Alzheimer's Disease

Used to treat moderate Alzheimer's Type Dementia in combination with Donepezil

moderate Alzheimer's Type Dementia

Used to treat moderate Alzheimer's Type Dementia in combination with Donepezil

severe Alzheimer's Type Dementia

Helps manage severe Alzheimer's Type Dementia

Alzheimer's Disease

Helps manage severe Alzheimer's Type Dementia

Effectiveness

How Namenda Affects Patients

This drug works by blocking calcium from entering cells that would normally be activated by glutamate. This helps improve the symptoms of Alzheimer's, such as improved cognition and other positive effects on the central nervous system. When taken at high doses, memantine can reduce the brain's ability to learn and remember things. However, when taken at lower doses, it can help with learning and memory, and act as a protective agent against brain cell damage caused by certain neurotransmitters. Memantine has little effect on other receptors or channels like GABA, dopamine, histamine, and glycine. It does, however, act as an antagonist at

How Namenda works in the body

Glutamate, a chemical found in the brain, can cause too much activity in the nervous system and lead to the symptoms of Alzheimer's. Memantine works by blocking the action of glutamate on certain receptors, called NMDA receptors, which stops this overactivity. While it can't stop the damage caused by Alzheimer's, it can reduce symptoms.

When to interrupt dosage

The dosage of Namenda is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, including Alzheimer's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia, Vascular. The amount of dosage is contingent upon the approach of administration (e.g. Kit - Oral or Solution - Oral) illustrated in the table beneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Alzheimer's Disease

, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 7.0 mg, 14.0 mg, 28.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 5.0 mg/pump actuation, 21.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg, 70.0 mg

Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit, Kit - Oral, Solution - Oral, Solution, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Liquid - Oral, Liquid, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral

Alzheimer's Disease

, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 7.0 mg, 14.0 mg, 28.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 5.0 mg/pump actuation, 21.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg, 70.0 mg

Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit, Kit - Oral, Solution - Oral, Solution, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Liquid - Oral, Liquid, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral

Dementia, Vascular

, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 7.0 mg, 14.0 mg, 28.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 5.0 mg/pump actuation, 21.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg, 70.0 mg

Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit, Kit - Oral, Solution - Oral, Solution, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Liquid - Oral, Liquid, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral

Dementia, Vascular

, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 7.0 mg, 14.0 mg, 28.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 5.0 mg/pump actuation, 21.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg, 70.0 mg

Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit, Kit - Oral, Solution - Oral, Solution, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Liquid - Oral, Liquid, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral

Alzheimer's Disease

, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 7.0 mg, 14.0 mg, 28.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 5.0 mg/pump actuation, 21.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg, 70.0 mg

Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit, Kit - Oral, Solution - Oral, Solution, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Liquid - Oral, Liquid, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral

Alzheimer's Disease

, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 7.0 mg, 14.0 mg, 28.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 5.0 mg/pump actuation, 21.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg, 70.0 mg

Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit, Kit - Oral, Solution - Oral, Solution, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Liquid - Oral, Liquid, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral

Warnings

Namenda has one acknowledged contraindication, so it must not be employed for the circumstances mentioned in the accompanying table.

Namenda Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions

Do Not Combine

Memantine may interact with Pulse Frequency

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Namenda.

Common Namenda Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Acenocoumarol

Major

The metabolism of Acenocoumarol can be decreased when combined with Memantine.

Amitriptyline

Major

The metabolism of Amitriptyline can be decreased when combined with Memantine.

Antipyrine

Major

The metabolism of Antipyrine can be decreased when combined with Memantine.

Apomorphine

Major

The metabolism of Apomorphine can be decreased when combined with Memantine.

Artemether

Major

The metabolism of Artemether can be decreased when combined with Memantine.

Namenda Toxicity & Overdose Risk

The toxic dose of memantine (LD50) in mice is 437-498mg/kg and in rats is 328-370mg/kg. Studies in mice and rats have not shown any evidence of cancer, genetic changes, or fertility problems. It is unknown if memantine can be passed through breast milk. Memantine is categorized as a pregnancy category B drug, which means that there are no enough studies to know how it will affect the fetus, so it should only be taken during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Namenda Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Namenda?

41 active studies are examining the potential of Namenda to manage Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, Vascular and Alzheimer's Disease-related ailments.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Alzheimer's Disease

3 Actively Recruiting

Phase 3, Phase 2

Alzheimer's Disease

0 Actively Recruiting

Alzheimer's Disease

39 Actively Recruiting

Phase 4, Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1

Dementia, Vascular

0 Actively Recruiting

Alzheimer's Disease

0 Actively Recruiting

Dementia, Vascular

0 Actively Recruiting

Namenda Reviews: What are patients saying about Namenda?

5

Patient Review

12/16/2019

Namenda for Moderate to Severe Alzheimer's Type Dementia

My father took namenda for over a year and it really helped him in the final stage of Alzheimer's. He was able to remember all of our names and even the names of his grandkids.

5

Patient Review

9/3/2017

Namenda for Moderate to Severe Alzheimer's Type Dementia

My elderly father has been dealing with vascular dementia for a while now, but it's progressed significantly in the past few months. He also experiences reduplicative paramnesia and Capgras syndrome. However, since he started taking Namenda a few weeks ago, there has been a marked improvement - even more so in the last few days. His clarity of thought is much greater and his memory has improved (though that wasn't one of the promised benefits). Best of all, this medication doesn't seem to have any negative side effects. Everyone who knows him has noticed the difference.

4.3

Patient Review

7/1/2014

Namenda for Moderate to Severe Alzheimer's Type Dementia

I take Namanda and Galantamine together every day, and I haven't experienced any negative side effects. So far it seems to be managing my condition well, better than other medications I've tried in the past (which caused intolerable side effects).

3.3

Patient Review

6/20/2014

Namenda for Moderate to Severe Alzheimer's Type Dementia

My husband's doctor prescribed this to him in the hopes of it aiding his memory. He was originally taking 5mg a day, and we saw significant improvement; however, we just increased the dosage to 2x daily and he seems to be more irritable now. We might go back down to 1x daily. Has anyone else experienced this sort of side-effect?

3.3

Patient Review

3/6/2014

Namenda for Moderate to Severe Alzheimer's Type Dementia

My husband's doctor recommended this to help with his memory, and it did improve things; however, we had to decrease the dosage because he started becoming really irritable. Has anyone else experienced this side effect?

2.3

Patient Review

5/11/2014

Namenda for Moderate to Severe Alzheimer's Type Dementia

My husband started this medication and has since then lost control of his bowels. We haven't been using it for very long, so it's hard to say how effective it is at this point.

2

Patient Review

1/23/2015

Namenda for Moderate to Severe Alzheimer's Type Dementia

My 72-year-old husband was prescribed Namenda and Aricept, to be taken twice daily. After just one week on this medication, he became much more confused and would often become argumentative for no reason. He also started having hallucinations occasionally.

1

Patient Review

3/10/2019

Namenda for Moderate to Severe Alzheimer's Type Dementia

The generic form of Namenda nearly killed me. I had to go to the hospital via ambulance and they couldn't figure out what was wrong. After two more trips to the doctor, I looked at the side effects of Namenda and realized I was experiencing almost all of them. I stopped taking it immediately.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about namenda

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What are side effects of Namenda?

"tiredness, body aches, joint pain, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation"

Answered by AI

Which is better Aricept or Namenda?

"Namenda slows the progression of symptoms in moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease, but it cannot cure it. Aricept can be used to treat dementia caused by all stages of Alzheimer's and can be effective for treating behavioral problems related to dementia."

Answered by AI

How does Namenda help memory?

"Glutamate regulators are drugs that are prescribed in order to improve cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and language. These drugs work by regulating the activity of glutamate, a different chemical messenger that helps the brain process information."

Answered by AI

What is the drug Namenda used for?

"Memantine is used to treat moderate to severe confusion that is related to Alzheimer's disease. It does not cure Alzheimer's disease, but it may improve memory, awareness, and the ability to perform daily functions."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Namenda

Image of CSMC in Los Angeles, United States.

Photobiomodulation for Alzheimer's Disease

55 - 89
All Sexes
Los Angeles, CA

The purpose of this study is to see if a special light treatment, called photobiomodulation, can help people with memory problems such as Mild Cognitive Impairment or Mild Dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. The light is given to the forehead using an FDA-cleared medical device. This device is cleared to provide topical heating to elevate tissue temperature for temporary relief of muscle and joint pain, muscle spasm and stiffness associated with arthritis. It also increases blood circulation and relaxes muscle tissue. This device is being used "off-label," meaning it will be used in a way that is different than its cleared use. We want to learn whether this light treatment can improve executive function, and whether it changes certain inflammatory and neurodegeneration related signals in the blood. To do this, we will apply the photobiomodulation device to your forehead. We will also ask you questions and give you cognitive tests before and after light treatment. We will also collect blood samples before and after treatment.

Recruiting
Device

CSMC

Golnaz Yadollahikhales, MD

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Image of Smith Family Clinic for Genomic Medicine in Huntsville, United States.

Lifestyle Intervention for Alzheimer's Disease

65 - 75
All Sexes
Huntsville, AL

Many individuals develop dementia, and dementia has multiple causes, yet we currently have limited treatment options. A critical observation of the effectiveness of the available dementia treatments is that they tend to be more effective when started early. Previous studies have shown that multimodal lifestyle interventions can significantly delay the onset of Alzheimer's dementia in individuals with high risk for Alzheimer's or with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). These interventions may be less effective when initiated after dementia has already been diagnosed or is more advanced. This study has two primary goals. The first goal is to assess attitudes around dementia risk for participants throughout the study as they learn of their personalized risk and possible lifestyle factors that may modify that risk. The second goal is to serve as a logistical pilot for the implementation of data collection and processing and multimodal lifestyle intervention to reduce the risk factors of dementia in individuals without current cognitive impairment but who are at high risk of progression to dementia. Secondary goals of this study include better defining what factors contribute the most risk to dementia and identifying sub-types of dementia defined by different genetic and molecular risk factors.

Recruiting
Has No Placebo

Smith Family Clinic for Genomic Medicine

Have you considered Namenda clinical trials?

We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Namenda, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Go to Trials

Have you considered Namenda clinical trials?

We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Namenda, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Go to Trials