What Is It?
Namenda, active ingredient memantine hydrochloride, is medication that is available by prescription only. It has been approved for the treatment of dementia that is caused by Alzheimer's disease and is moderate or severe. It isn't a cure for this condition, but it can be effective in slowing the progress of symptoms caused from the condition.
Who Is the Maker?
Forest Laboratories, Inc. is the maker of Namenda.
How Namenda Works
Namenda is part of the class of drugs called NMDA receptor antagonists. NMDA means N methyl D aspirate. Some of the Alzheimer's symptoms are thought to be caused from changes in the receptors for NMDA that cause excessive and abnormal exit ability of the glutamate receptors. Glutamate is a brain chemical. Namenda is effective because it binds to the receptor of NMDA and prevents glutamate from causing excessive excitation. At this time, there are no other types of Alzheimer's medications that work similarly.
Namenda Effects
Namenda has been shown to be an effective Alzheimer's treatment in studies. The studies found that those who took the medication experienced slower decline in thinking functions that include language, social interactions and memory when compared to those that took a sugar pill containing no active ingredients. People who were taking Namenda were also more able to keep up with daily living requirements that include shopping, eating, dressing and bathing when compared to those that only took a placebo.
Side Effects
As with all medications, it is possible to experience side effects while taking Namenda. Not everyone that takes this medication will notice side effects as it is generally well tolerated. If you notice side effects, they are most often minor and require little or no treatment. More serious side effects are less commonly reported.
Commonly reported side effects might include: constipation, headaches, confusion and dizziness.
Generic Forms of Namenda
Currently, there is no generic form of Namenda that is available.