From the Guidelines
Namenda (memantine) should only be considered for memory loss in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease, as its effectiveness in mild cases or other forms of dementia is not well established. The use of Namenda is based on its ability to regulate glutamate, a brain chemical involved in memory and learning, by blocking NMDA receptors to prevent excessive glutamate activity that can damage brain cells 1. According to the American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Family Physicians, the evidence does not support prescribing memantine for every patient with dementia, and its use should be based on tolerability, adverse effect profile, ease of use, and cost of medication 1.
Key points to consider when prescribing Namenda include:
- Starting dose: 5 mg once daily, gradually increasing to a target dose of 10 mg twice daily over several weeks to minimize side effects
- Combination therapy: often used with cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil for better results
- Side effects: dizziness, headache, confusion, and constipation
- Diagnosis: should only be used under a doctor's supervision after proper diagnosis, as memory problems can stem from many conditions requiring different treatments
It's essential to note that Namenda may help slow symptom progression in Alzheimer's patients, but it doesn't cure or reverse the disease 1. The optimal duration of therapy is also uncertain, but a beneficial effect, if any, would generally be observed within 3 months, and treatment should be reassessed if the patient becomes unresponsive or shows decline in various domains of dementia 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Memantine hydrochloride is an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe dementia of the Alzheimer’s type.
- Memory Loss: Namenda (memantine) is used for the treatment of moderate to severe dementia of the Alzheimer’s type, which may include symptoms of memory loss.
- Approved Use: The FDA-approved indication for Namenda is specifically for dementia of the Alzheimer’s type, not for general memory loss.
- Clinical Decision: Namenda can be used for memory loss associated with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease, but not for other types of memory loss 2.
From the Research
Namenda for Memory Loss
- Namenda, also known as memantine, is a medication used to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- It works by blocking the action of glutamate, a neurotransmitter that can be toxic to brain cells in large amounts 3, 4.
- Studies have shown that memantine can help slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease and improve cognitive function, behavior, and daily activities 3, 5, 6, 7.
- Memantine is generally well-tolerated, with few side effects, and is considered a safe and effective treatment option for Alzheimer's disease 4, 5, 6.
Efficacy of Namenda
- Memantine has been shown to be effective in improving cognitive function and behavioral disturbances in patients with Alzheimer's disease 5, 6, 7.
- It has also been shown to be effective in combination with other medications, such as donepezil, for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease 5, 6.
- However, the efficacy of memantine may vary depending on the individual patient and the severity of their Alzheimer's disease 3, 4, 6, 7.