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.
Why Add NAMENDA XR®?
The Benefits of NAMENDA XR and an AChEI
If my loved one is taking an AChEI but the symptoms are still getting worse, what more can I do?
If the healthcare provider has prescribed only an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (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).
There is no evidence that NAMENDA XR or an AChEI prevents or slows the underlying disease process in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
NAMENDA XR has been studied in patients already taking a stable dose of ARICEPT® (donepezil 5-10 mg)*, RAZADYNE® (8-24 mg)†, or EXELON® (3-12 mg).‡
Once treatment is started, you may wonder how long it will take for the benefits of combination therapy with NAMENDA XR to have an effect. It's different for everyone.
What Can I Expect from Treatment with Once-a-Day NAMENDA XR?
Remember that it takes time for any treatment to begin working. When patients are treated with Alzheimer's disease medications, you may see one of the following. Symptoms will:
- Progress more slowly
- Remain the same for a period of time
- Show some improvement for a period of time
*ARICEPT is a registered trademark of Eisai Co., Ltd.
†RAZADYNE is a registered trademark of Johnson & Johnson.
‡EXELON and EXELON PATCH are registered trademarks of Novartis AG Corp.
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.