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What Is Namenda?

Namenda is the brand name for memantine hydrochloride, a prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Memantine may help with certain cognitive and daily functioning symptoms, but it does not cure Alzheimer's disease or stop its progression. The original Namenda immediate-release brand tablets have been discontinued in the United States, while generic memantine tablets remain available. Extended-release memantine products have separate formulations and dosing instructions.

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What Is Namenda?

Namenda is the brand name for memantine hydrochloride, a prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Memantine may help with certain cognitive and daily functioning symptoms, but it does not cure Alzheimer's disease or stop its progression. The original Namenda immediate-release brand tablets have been discontinued in the United States, while generic memantine tablets remain available. Extended-release memantine products have separate formulations and dosing instructions.

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How Does Namenda Work?

Memantine is an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist. It regulates certain effects of glutamate, a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory. Excessive or prolonged stimulation of NMDA receptors may contribute to neuronal dysfunction. Memantine helps limit this activity while allowing normal neurotransmission, although its clinical benefits differ among patients.

Who Is Namenda Prescribed For?

Memantine is approved for moderate to severe dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease. Healthcare professionals evaluate cognitive symptoms, functional changes, other health conditions, and current medications before treatment. It is not approved for preventing Alzheimer's disease or treating every type of memory loss. People with significant kidney impairment may need a lower dose because memantine is primarily cleared through the kidneys.

How Is Memantine Taken?

Immediate-release memantine is commonly started at 5 mg once daily, with gradual weekly increases as tolerated. The usual target dose is 10 mg twice daily for patients without severe renal impairment. The extended-release formulation follows a different once-daily schedule and should not be substituted milligram for milligram without guidance. Patients with severe kidney impairment require adjusted dosing. Follow the prescribed formulation and instructions.

What Are the Side Effects and Warnings of Namenda?

Common side effects of memantine include dizziness, headache, confusion, and constipation. Some patients can experience agitation or hallucinations. Kidney problems can increase drug exposure, while conditions that make urine unusually alkaline may reduce memantine elimination. Report significant changes in behavior, balance, or mental status to the prescribing clinician.

Common Questions About Namenda

Can Namenda cure Alzheimer's disease?

No. Memantine may improve or stabilize certain symptoms for a period, but it does not cure Alzheimer's disease or prevent progression.

What is the difference between Namenda and memantine?

Namenda is a brand name for memantine hydrochloride. Generic memantine contains the same active ingredient, while formulation and dosing directions must still be checked.

Can memantine be taken with donepezil?

Yes. Clinicians sometimes prescribe memantine with donepezil for moderate to severe Alzheimer's dementia. The combination should be supervised by a healthcare professional.

Why does memantine dosing change with kidney function?

The kidneys eliminate a substantial portion of memantine. Severe kidney impairment can cause the drug to accumulate, making a lower dose necessary.

References

DailyMed - NAMENDA (memantine hydrochloride) tablet and kit. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=b9f27baf-aa2a-443a-9ef5-e002d23407ba. Date Accessed October 16, 2026.

Determination That NAMENDA (Memantine Hydrochloride) Tablets, 5 Milligrams and 10 Milligrams, Were Not Withdrawn From Sale for Reasons of Safety or Effectiveness. Federal Register. https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-17812. Date Accessed October 16, 2026.

Memantine. LiverTox. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547981/. Date Accessed October 16, 2026.

Memantine. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604006.html. Date Accessed October 16, 2026.

Memantine. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Memantine. Date Accessed October 16, 2026.