Memantine

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. By gradually increasing the dose, the side effects of this medication are less severe.

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.

Memantine tablets can be taken with or without food. The tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and should not be chewed.

It is important to take Memantine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Memantine at room temperature in a dry place and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause headaches; it may cause constipation - to prevent this, drink plenty of water or juice, and eat more dietary fibre; it may cause drowsiness or dizziness - use caution when getting up from a lying or sitting position and use caution if driving. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

5 mg
Each white-to-off-white, oblong, coated tablet, debossed with "MT" on one side and "5" on the other side, contains memantine HCl 5 mg. Nonmedicinal indredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, and titanium dioxide.

10 mg
Each white-to-off-white, oblong, biconvex, scored tablet, debossed with "MT" divided by the score on one side and "10" divided by the score on the other side, contains memantine HCl 10 mg. Nonmedicinal indredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, and titanium dioxide.

Do not take Memantine if you are allergic to memantine or any ingredients of the medication.

There may be an interaction between memantine and any of the following:

• amantidine
• anticholinergic medications (e.g., atropine, hyoscyamine)
• Bupropion
• carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., acetazolamide, Topiramate)
• Cimetidine
• Dextromethorphan
• dopamine agonists (e.g., Bromocriptine, pergolide, Pramipexole, Ropinirole)
• Hydrochlorothiazide
• ketamine
• levodopa
• Nicotine
• quinidine
• Ranitidine
• sodium bicarbonate
• triamterene
• Trimethoprim
• Warfarin

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. 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.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Memantine.

Eyes: Memantine may build up in the tear fluid and contribute to changes in the eyes and possible changes in vision. People taking memantine should have regular check-ups from their eye doctor. If you notice any changes to your vision, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Heart disease: Memantine may cause increased blood pressure, slowed heartbeat and occasionally, heart failure. If you have heart problems, discuss with your doctor how Memantine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Memantine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Kidney function: The kidneys remove mematadine from the body. When the kidneys aren't working properly, the medication can build up in the body and cause side effects. Memantine is not recommended for people with severe Kidney Disease.

If you have reduced kidney function or moderate kidney disease you may need a lower dose of memantine. Discuss with your doctor how Memantine may affect your medical condition and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: The safety of memantine when given to someone with severely reduced liver function has not been studied and is not recommended. If you have reduced liver function or liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Memantine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Memantine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Reduced elimination from the body: The elimination of memantine from the body can be reduced in certain situations. These include changing from a normal diet to a strict vegetarian diet, taking certain medications (e.g., sodium bicarbonate, Acetazolamide), having a kidney condition called renal tubular acidosis, or having a urinary tract infection. Your doctor will monitor your condition closely in these situations.

Seizures: Memantine has not been studied for use by people who have seizure disorders (such as Epilepsy). If you have a history of seizure disorder, discuss with your doctor how Memantine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Memantine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: Memantine should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if memantine passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Memantine, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Memantine have not been established for children.

Seniors: There is limited information about the safety of memantine for people over the age of 85.

This medication is typically used twice a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. It must be used regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. Be sure to keep an adequate supply on hand. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up. It is not advisable to chew or crush this medication since it has an unpleasant taste. This medication may be taken with or without food.