NAMENDA XR® (memantine hydrochloride) extended-release capsules are approved for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. NAMENDA XR is available by prescription only.
Is It Time to Add NAMENDA XR®?
If your loved one is taking an AChEI for moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease and the symptoms are still getting worse, adding NAMENDA XR may help.
Once your loved one is diagnosed it's important to monitor for any symptom changes, and report those changes to your loved one's doctor. A progression of symptoms may indicate that it's time to start treatment. People with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease may benefit from combination therapy with NAMENDA XR extended-release capsules and an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI).
How Does Alzheimer's Disease Progress?
The disease progresses at different rates in different people. Generally, patients with moderate Alzheimer's disease experience the fastest rate of decline. As a caregiver, you know the person you're caring for better than anyone. Tell the healthcare provider if you notice any changes in symptoms. As the disease progresses, the healthcare provider might talk about the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease as occurring in moderate and severe stages.
Common Signs of Moderate Alzheimer's Disease
- Increased memory loss and confusion
- Problems recognizing family and friends
- Continuous repetition of stories, favorite words, or motions
- Difficulty carrying out tasks that have multiple steps, like getting dressed
- Lack of concern for hygiene and appearance
Common Signs of Severe Alzheimer's Disease
- Inability to recognize oneself or family
- Inability to communicate
- Lack of control of bowel and bladder
- Groaning, moaning, or grunting
- Needing help with all activities of daily living
If the healthcare provider has prescribed only an AChEI for moderate or severe Alzheimer's disease, adding NAMENDA XR may help.
In a clinical trial of patients taking AChEIs, adding NAMENDA XR produced benefits in mental function (also called cognition) and overall patient functioning (also called global function, which was based on the healthcare provider's assessment of the patient and interview with the caregiver).
NAMENDA XR has been studied in patients already taking a stable dose of donepezil (5-10 mg), galantamine (8-24 mg), or rivastigmine (3-12 mg).
There is no evidence that NAMENDA XR or an AChEI prevents or slows the underlying disease process in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Caregiver Tip:
If your loved one has been diagnosed with moderate Alzheimer's disease and symptoms have progressed since diagnosis, ask the doctor about adding NAMENDA XR to an AChEI. If your loved one has started an AChEI, ask about re-evaluating your loved one's treatment regimen in about 3 months.
Important Risk Information
Who should NOT take NAMENDA XR?
NAMENDA XR should not be taken by anyone who is allergic (hypersensitive) to memantine, the active substance in NAMENDA XR, or who has had a bad reaction to NAMENDA XR or any of its ingredients.
What should be discussed with the healthcare provider before taking NAMENDA XR?
Before starting NAMENDA XR, talk to the healthcare provider about all of the patient's past and present medical conditions, including:
- Seizure disorders
- Difficulty passing urine
- Liver or kidney problems
If the patient is taking other medications (including those without a prescription), ask the healthcare provider if NAMENDA XR is right for the patient.
- Certain medications, changes in diet, or medical conditions may affect the amount of NAMENDA XR in the body and possibly increase side effects.
What are the possible side effects of NAMENDA XR?
The most common side effects associated with NAMENDA XR treatment are headache, diarrhea, and dizziness. This is not a complete list of side effects.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information.
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Important Risk Information
Who should NOT take NAMENDA XR?
NAMENDA XR should not be taken by anyone who is allergic (hypersensitive) to memantine, the active substance in NAMENDA XR, or who has had a bad reaction to NAMENDA XR or any of its ingredients.
What should be discussed with the healthcare provider before taking NAMENDA XR?
Before starting NAMENDA XR, talk to the healthcare provider about all of the patient's past and present medical conditions, including:
- Seizure disorders
- Difficulty passing urine
- Liver or kidney problems
If the patient is taking other medications (including those without a prescription), ask the healthcare provider if NAMENDA XR is right for the patient.
- Certain medications, changes in diet, or medical conditions may affect the amount of NAMENDA XR in the body and possibly increase side effects.
What are the possible side effects of NAMENDA XR?
The most common side effects associated with NAMENDA XR treatment are headache, diarrhea, and dizziness. This is not a complete list of side effects.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information.
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WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.