Side Effects of Memantine (Cont.)

Common Side Effects of Memantine

Memantine has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these trials, one group of people was given the real medication, while another group was given a placebo (a "sugar pill" with no active ingredients). This way, it is possible to see what side effects occurred, how often they appeared, and how they compared to the group who took the placebo.
 
In these studies, the most common side effects of memantine included:
 
  • Dizziness -- in up to 7 percent of people
  • Headaches -- up to 6 percent
  • Confusion -- up to 6 percent
  • Constipation -- up to 5 percent
  • High blood pressure -- up to 4 percent
  • Cough -- up to 4 percent.
     
Other common side effects, occurring in 2 to 3 percent of people, included:
 
  • Fatigue
  • General body pain
  • Back pain
  • Vomiting
  • Drowsiness.
     

Less Common Side Effects of Memantine

Rare side effects of memantine occurred in less than 2 percent of people taking the drug. Because these side effects are so uncommon, it is difficult to tell whether they are actually caused by memantine or something else. There is a good chance that these "side effects" could be completely unrelated to memantine.
 
These less common side effects include but are not limited to:
 
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • A spinning sensation (vertigo)
  • Anemia
  • Weight loss
  • Sleeping problems
  • Pneumonia
  • Hair loss
  • Eczema
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Frequent urination or difficulty passing urine.
     
(Side Effects of Memantine Continued: Page 3)

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;