Namenda is made by Forest Laboratories, Inc.
Namenda is classified as an NMDA receptor antagonist. "NMDA" stands for N-methyl-D-asparate. It is thought that some of the
symptoms of Alzheimer's may be related to changes in NMDA receptors that allow for abnormal, excessive excitation of the receptors by glutamate (a neurotransmitter brain chemical). Namenda works by binding to the NMDA receptor and preventing excessive excitation by glutamate. Currently, there are no other Alzheimer's medications that work in this way.
Namenda was shown to be effective for
Alzheimer's treatment in a few different studies. These studies showed that people taking the drug had a slower rate of decline in cognitive function ("thinking" functions, such as memory, language, and social interaction), compared to people taking a placebo (a "sugar pill" with no active ingredients). Also, people who took Namenda were better able to perform their daily activities of living (such as bathing, dressing, eating, and shopping), compared to those who took the placebo.
General considerations for when and how to take Namenda include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet and oral solution (liquid) form. It is taken by mouth, usually twice a day, although it is taken just once a day at first.
- Namenda can be taken with or without food. If the drug bothers your stomach, try taking it with a little food.
- With the liquid form, be sure you know how to correctly measure the proper dosage. It should be taken directly, not mixed into any foods or beverages.
- Be sure to take Namenda at the same times each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Namenda will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Namenda your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- How well your kidneys function
- How you respond to the drug
- Other medications you may take
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Namenda. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
(Click Namenda Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Namenda?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
- Epilepsy or seizures
- A severe urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Renal tubular acidosis, a kidney disorder
- Any other type of kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure)
- Liver disease, including liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Namenda may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Agitation or restlessness
- Confusion
- Changes in the heart rhythm
- Unconsciousness
- Psychosis (such as hallucinations or delusions)
- Drowsiness
- Vertigo (a spinning sensation)
- Slow movement or an unsteady gait
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Coma.
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Namenda Be Stored?
Namenda tablets and liquid should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take a dose of Namenda, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, simply skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Namenda is available in the following strengths and forms:
- Namenda 5 mg tablets
- Namenda 10 mg tablets
- Namenda 2 mg/mL oral solution, which contains 2 mg of medication per mL (equivalent to 10 mg per teaspoonful).
Namenda oral solution (liquid) is clear, peppermint-flavored, alcohol-free, and sugar-free.
At this time, Namenda is not available in generic form
(see Generic Namenda).
