Memantine was shown to be effective for
Alzheimer's treatment in a few different studies. These studies showed that people taking the drug had a slower rate of decline in cognitive function ("thinking" functions, such as memory, language, and social interaction), compared to people taking a placebo (a "sugar pill" with no active ingredients). Also, people who took memantine were better able to perform their daily activities of living (such as bathing, dressing, eating, and shopping), compared to those who took the placebo.
When and How to Take Memantine
General considerations for when and how to take memantine include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet and oral solution (liquid) form. It is taken by mouth, usually twice a day, although it is taken just once a day at first.
- Memantine can be taken with or without food. If the drug bothers your stomach, try taking it with a little food.
- For liquid memantine, be sure you know how to correctly measure the proper dosage. The liquid form should be taken directly, not mixed into any foods or beverages.
- Be sure to take memantine at the same times each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Memantine will not work if you stop taking it.
Dosing Information for Memantine
The dose of memantine that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- How well your kidneys function
- How you respond to memantine
- Other medications you may take
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Previous
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print