Namenda XR ratings & reviews

Memantine
Company: Allergan
Brand: Namenda XR
+1 more
Namenda XR, Namenda
Drug class: Central and Peripheral Nervous System
+3 more
Central and Peripheral Nervous System, Anti-Alzheimer Agents, Anti-AlzheimerAgents, NMDA Receptor Antagonists, Anti-Alzheimer Combinations
Overall rating
3.4
full star full star full star empty star empty star
Ranked #5
Physician ratings
  • Efficacy: effective for its intended use
  • Safety: safe to use in humans
  • Tolerability: low drug side effects
  • Accessibility: insurance/payer coverage, cost, affordability,formulary coverage, availability in your hospital or practice setting
  • Adherence: patient compliance with treatment
Efficacy
3.1/5
Safety
3.7/5
Tolerability
3.6/5
Accessibility
3.3/5
Adherence
3.5/5

Sermo AI Overview

  • Physician sentiment reflects a general skepticism regarding the efficacy of Namenda XR for Alzheimer's disease, often considered weak compared to other medications, highlighting concerns about its overall effectiveness.
  • Despite having a good safety and tolerability profile, Namenda XR faces challenges with high costs and insurance approval, making it difficult for many patients to access this treatment.
  • Some physicians suggest that Namenda XR may offer modest benefits, especially when combined with other Alzheimer's treatments such as donepezil, indicating limited but potential value in a comprehensive treatment plan.
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Based on insights from Sermo’s triple verified physicians

Description

Namenda XR contains the active ingredient memantine hydrochloride as an extended-release form. This medication is an NMDA receptor antagonist and is available in capsule form with strengths of 7 mg, 14 mg, 21 mg, and 28 mg, intended for oral administration. Key inactive ingredients include ethyl cellulose, gelatin, and titanium dioxide.

Source: This information is sourced from FDA and powered by AI

Dosage & Administration

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You may take this medication with or without food. You may swallow the capsules whole or open them and sprinkle the entire contents on applesauce before swallowing. Other than sprinkling the medication on applesauce, the capsules should be swallowed whole and not divided, chewed, or crushed. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Continue to take your medication even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your care team.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you do not take your medication for several days, contact your care team. Your dose may need to be changed.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 degrees and 30 degrees C (59 degrees and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Side Effects

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Confusion
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings & Precautions

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Seizures
  • Trouble passing urine
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to memantine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

  • Acetazolamide
  • Amantadine
  • Cimetidine
  • Dextromethorphan
  • Dofetilide
  • Hydrochlorothiazide
  • Ketamine
  • Metformin
  • Methazolamide
  • Quinidine
  • Ranitidine
  • Sodium bicarbonate
  • Triamterene

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Check with your care team if there is no improvement in your symptoms or if they get worse.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.

Disclaimer

The reviews, ratings, comments, and opinions expressed on this platform are solely those of the individual medical professionals who posted them and do not reflect the views or positions of Sermo, Inc. Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. The information provided is user-generated and reflects personal clinical experiences, which may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to your specific health needs. It is not intended as medical advice.

Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.

Keep all medications out of the reach of children, never share your medicine with others, and use each medication only as prescribed. Your reliance on any information provided on this platform is at your own risk.

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