Memantine: An Overview

Memantine (also known as Namenda) is prescribed for moderate-to severe Alzheimer's. Memantine works by blocking some brain receptors and decreasing their activity. It also helps to lower the levels of glutamate in the brain. This chemical can cause nerve cell damage and may slow the development of Alzheimer's. Memantine is approved in the USA for treatment of dementia since 2003.

What uses can Memantine be used for?

Memantine can be used to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's. However, it could also be used for other forms of dementia like frontotemporal, Lewy body, or vascular dementia. Research has shown memantine is effective at slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease and improving cognitive function, memory and behavior.

Some studies also found memantine to reduce Alzheimer's disease-related deaths. In a 2020 JAMA Network Open study , memantine had a lower death rate in Alzheimer's patients than those who didn't take it. Studies have shown that memantine could have positive effects on Anxiety , mood and Depression in Alzheimer's patients.

Memantine's Purported Benefits

Memantine's ability to stop the progress of Alzheimer's is the most important benefit. Research has shown that memantine users have better cognitive functions, memory and behavioral issues than people who don't take it. Memantine could also reduce Alzheimer's disease-related death rates. It has also been shown that memantine can have positive effects on anxiety, mood, depression and other symptoms in Alzheimer's patients.

Check out the side effects of Memantine

Side effects most commonly associated with memantine are headaches, dizziness and confusion as well as nausea, vomiting, nausea, fatigue, constipation, nausea and vomiting. Seizures, hallucinations and heart arrhythmias are possible side effects. Memantine can interact with anticholinergics and Sedatives as well as Antipsychotics . To ensure that memantine is safe, consult your doctor prior to starting it.

Memantine: Experts' or professional opinions

Experts agree memantine can be used to treat moderate-severe Alzheimer's disease. For this purpose, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved memantine. There is some debate about whether memantine works in milder forms of Alzheimer's. Experts believe memantine is beneficial for milder cases. Others argue it's not.

Experts believe memantine could also be helpful in treating other forms of dementia such as frontotemporal, Lewy body, or vascular. It is still being researched to see if it works in such conditions.

How do I get started with Memantine

Talk to your doctor before you consider taking memantine to treat Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. You doctor can help you determine whether memantine is the right medication for you. They will also be able provide details about how and when to use it. The recommended daily dose of memantine is five mg, twice daily. Memantine can be purchased as an oral or tablet form. It is safe to take with or without food.

Memantine may interact with other medications or supplements. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions. Tell your doctor about all other medication or supplements that you take. Inform your doctor about any medical conditions, such as pregnancy, nursing, and other health issues.

Do you need to be aware of any side-effects?

Side effects most commonly associated with memantine are headaches, nausea, vomiting and constipation. Seizures, hallucinations and heart arrhythmias are possible side effects. Memantine can interact with anticholinergics and sedatives as well as antipsychotics. To ensure that memantine is safe, consult your doctor prior to starting it.

Conclusion

Memantine can be used to treat mild to severe Alzheimer's. Memantine works by blocking some brain receptors and decreasing their activity. This may slow down Alzheimer's disease progression. Research has shown memantine is effective at slowing the progression of Alzheimer's. It can also improve cognition, memory and behaviour in those with the condition. Memantine can reduce Alzheimer's disease-related death rates and have positive effects on anxiety, mood and depression. Talk to your doctor about memantine before you start. This is to ensure that it is safe and discuss possible interactions with other drugs.