Ebixa (memantine hydrochloride) is used to help retain cognitive function in individuals with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease.

This product will not stop or reverse the progression of Alzheimer's, but can slow worsening symptoms and improve cognitive function for a while.

Unfortunately there will come a time when the condition progresses to such an extent that Ebixa no longer provides significant benefit. In the meantime, Ebixa can help patients retain their sense of self, retain independence, reduce reliance on caretakers, and otherwise improve or maintain quality of life.

How It Works

Ebixa is an N-methyl-Daspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist. It works by protecting NMDA receptors in the brain from the neurotransmitter glutamate, thought to be the cause of brain degeneration in Alzheimer's. While some research suggests that glutamate levels decrease in conditions like Alzheimer's, the glutamate that remains is increasingly excitotoxic.

NMDA receptors are important for the transmission of nerve signals responsible for memory and learning. Preserving them for as long as possible increases memory and learning ability; patients can expect improvements in:

• Attention/focus
• Memory
• Orientation
• Routine activities
• Socializing
• Speaking/communicating

Ebixa works best at improving cognitive function in moderate to severe Alzheimer's. It provides minimal benefit in mild Alzheimer's.

This product contains the same active ingredient as the product Namenda, also available in extended-release.

Ebixa works well on its own, but it is also often paired with either Aricept or Exelon. Both of those products work by preserving the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which helps brain cells communicate with each other.

Combined Ebixa and Aricept or Exelon can further improve cognitive ability and may slow degeneration more than either product on its own. Results do vary, however, as there are many personal variables that can influence treatment.

Taking Ebixa

Ebixa comes in tablets, which can be split if needed; splitting one 10 mg tablet creates two 5 mg tablets. Likewise taking two smaller tablets is the same as taking one larger tablet; for example, taking two 10 mg tablets provides the same benefit as one 20 mg tablet.

Tablets should be taken with a glass of fluid. Food is optional, but can alleviate gastrointestinal side effects if experienced. It's important that doses be taken regularly for maximum benefit. If several consecutive doses are missed treatment may need to restart.

Doses are typically taken once per day, either in the morning or evening. Treatment usually starts low, gradually increased over several weeks.

Standard treatment with Ebixa is:

• Patients are usually started on 5 mg once per day for one week.
• For week two, take 10 mg once per day.
• On week three, take 15 mg once per day.
• On week four, take 20 mg once per day.
• Do not exceed 20 mg per day without explicit doctor instruction.
• Treatment may continue for as long as it provides benefit.

Doctor instructions may deviate from the above treatment guidelines. Always follow doctor instructions, as a doctor can take into account other variables, such as weight, other medications being taken, other medical conditions present, and so forth.

At doses higher than 5 mg, treatment can be divided into two smaller doses taken at morning and evening if needed. Some individuals respond better to divided doses. If too much Ebixa is taken, seek emergency medical attention even if no negative effects are apparent.

Adverse Effects

Serious side effects from Ebixa are rare; most are mild and transient, if experienced at all. The most common side effects are:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue

The above side effects are not cause for concern unless severe enough to be disruptive.

Severe side effects, which also include symptoms of overdose, include:

• Visual, auditory, or tactile hallucinations
• Severe confusion
• Seizures

The above warrant immediate medical attention.

Patients with other major medical conditions, such as liver impairment or diabetes, and patients at high risk of developing major medical conditions, such as those who are significantly overweight or underweight, are at greater risk of developing serious side effects from Ebixa; these patients should be monitored closely at the start of treatment.

Ebixa is known to interact with some other medications, including over-the-counter cough medicines. Always check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing medications.