From the Guidelines
Namenda (memantine) can cause several side effects, with the most common being dizziness, headache, confusion, and constipation, as reported in studies such as 1 and 2. Some patients may experience drowsiness, fatigue, back pain, high blood pressure, and anxiety. More serious but less common side effects include shortness of breath, hallucinations, seizures, and severe allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling). Elderly patients may be more susceptible to side effects due to age-related changes in kidney function. Namenda works by regulating glutamate activity in the brain, which can affect various bodily functions, explaining its diverse side effect profile. These effects typically appear during the initial weeks of treatment and often diminish as the body adjusts to the medication. If side effects persist or worsen, patients should consult their healthcare provider, who may adjust the dosage or recommend alternative treatments. Patients should never stop taking Namenda abruptly as this could worsen their condition.
The withdrawal rates related to adverse effects varied from 9% to 12% in the treatment group (7% to 13% in the placebo group), including nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, and agitation, as noted in 1. In general, the quality of collecting harms was moderate to low across studies, as mentioned in 3. However, the evidence showed that adverse events related to memantine were generally mild and well-tolerated, with the most common adverse events being gastrointestinal symptoms, dizziness, and headache, as reported in 2 and 4.
Key points to consider:
- Common side effects: dizziness, headache, confusion, constipation
- Less common side effects: shortness of breath, hallucinations, seizures, severe allergic reactions
- Elderly patients may be more susceptible to side effects
- Namenda works by regulating glutamate activity in the brain
- Side effects typically diminish as the body adjusts to the medication
- Patients should consult their healthcare provider if side effects persist or worsen.
From the FDA Drug Label
Memantine hydrochloride oral solution may cause side effects , including: The most common side effects of memantine hydrochloride oral solution include: dizziness headache confusion constipation
The possible side effects of memantine include:
From the Research
Side Effects of Namenda
The studies provide information on the side effects of memantine, also known as Namenda, which is used to treat Alzheimer's disease.
- Somnolence is listed as a potential side effect of memantine monotherapy and combination therapy with donepezil 7.
- The combination of memantine and donepezil is generally well-tolerated, with a safety profile comparable to or superior to that of the placebo 7.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms are a potential side effect of donepezil, but not specifically mentioned as a side effect of memantine 8.
- There is no mention of other significant side effects of memantine in the provided studies.
Comparison of Monotherapy and Combination Therapy
The studies compare the efficacy and safety of memantine monotherapy and combination therapy with donepezil.
- Combination therapy with memantine and donepezil is considered the most useful treatment for Alzheimer's disease, as it improves cognitive functions and behavioral disturbances more efficiently than monotherapy 7.
- The combination of memantine and donepezil is associated with limited improvements in cognitive functions, behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia, and global functions compared to donepezil alone 9.
- The fixed-dose combination of extended-release memantine and donepezil is bioequivalent to the components administered separately and can be administered sprinkled over soft food, alleviating the pill burden and swallowing difficulties associated with Alzheimer's disease 10.