What Is the Drug Namenda?

Namenda is the brand name for the generic drug memantine. It is a type of drug known as an N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor inhibitor. Namenda has side effects, interacts with certain drugs, and comes with cautions and warnings.

Uses

• The drug Namenda is prescribed for moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease (AD). Namenda is also prescribed for the treatment of vascular dementia.

Side Effects

• Common side effects of Namenda are headache, dizziness, constipation and confusion; less common side effects are hallucinations, vomiting, fatigue, high blood pressure, back pain and difficulty breathing. Rare side effects are stroke, convulsion, liver failure, impotence and severe allergic reactions.

Drug Interactions

• Namenda can interfere with drugs that reduce the acidity of urine, such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Namenda can also interact with dextromethorphan, a common ingredient in over-the-counter cough syrup.

Cautions and Warnings

• Namenda should not be used if you are sensitive or allergic to any of its ingredients. People with severe kidney disease should not use Namenda.

Special Population

• It is not known if Namenda passes into breast milk; nursing mothers taking Namenda are advised to use an infant formula.