Drug Interactions With Memantine

Certain medicines may cause drug interactions with memantine, including carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, dextromethorphan, and amantadine. These potentially negative interactions can increase the level of memantine in the blood or cause other problems. To help prevent drug interactions with memantine, talk to your healthcare provider before taking any other medications during Alzheimer's treatment, including vitamins and supplements.

 

Drug Interactions With Memantine: An Overview

Memantine hydrochloride (Namenda®) can potentially interact with a number of other medications. Some of the medicines that may lead to drug interactions with memantine include:
 
 
    • Acetazolamide (Diamox®)
    • Brinzolamide (Azopt®)
    • Dichlorphenamide (Daranide®)
    • Dorzolamide (Trusopt®)
    • Methazolamide
 
  • Dextromethorphan, an ingredient in many cough medications
  • Ketamine (Ketalar®)
  • Sodium bicarbonate.
     

More Information on Interactions With Memantine

The following sections explain in detail the potentially negative interactions that can occur when memantine is combined with any of the drugs listed above.
 
Amantadine (Symmetrel)
Amantadine and memantine affect certain brain receptors in a similar way. Therefore, it is not known if it is safe to take these medications together. Make sure to check with your healthcare provider before combining these medications.
(Drug Interactions With Memantine Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;