Nemdaa (memantine hydrochloride) is for patients who have moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease, in which it slows progression and restores some degree of cognitive function. Nemdaa is sometimes used for dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), but has not proven beneficial in individuals with vascular dementia.

This product can be used in early-onset Alzheimer's, but should not be used in patients under age 18.

Nemdaa is relatively unique in being an N-methyl-Daspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, which works by protecting NMDA receptors from the neurotransmitter glutamate. Though present in healthy patients, at altered levels in Alzheimer's glutamate is associated with brain degeneration.

Most Alzheimer's treatments work to preserve neurotransmitters rather than receptors, and these medications may also provide benefit when used with Nemdaa. Two of the more commonly used are Aricept and Exelon, both of which work by preserving the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

In all cases patients should be diagnosed by a doctor prior to starting treatment with any Alzheimer's medication. There are other conditions which produce nearly identical symptoms, but for which Alzheimer's treatments will provide little benefit.

What to Expect

To be clear, Nemdaa is not a cure. It will not stop or reverse Alzheimer's. What it will do is slow the progression of Alzheimer's and restore or maintain some degree of cognitive function. This effect often lasts for years---years the patient otherwise wouldn't have---but there will come a time when Nemdaa no longer provides benefit.

Patients who take Nemdaa often experience improvements in:

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

The above provide numerous advantages, some of which include:

• Increased independence
• Reduced reliance on caretakers
• Retained sense of self
• Ability to communicate coherently with others
• Improved quality time with loved ones

It takes about a month of regular treatment before significant benefit is seen. Provided no adverse effects develop, patients are encouraged to continue taking the medication for at least a month before evaluating its benefits.

Treatment Overview

Nemdaa comes in tablets, which can be taken without regard to food. A glass of fluid is recommended with each dose.

Tablets 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.

In most cases:

• Patients are started on 5 mg once per day for one week.
• Dosage is increased in 5 mg increments per week up to 20 mg per day.
• At doses higher than 5 mg, treatment should be divided into two smaller doses taken morning and evening.
• Do not exceed 20 mg per day without explicit doctor instruction.
• Treatment may continue for as long as it provides benefit.

Doctor instructions may vary from the above treatment guidelines, as a doctor can take into account variables such as other medical conditions or other medications being taken. Patients under age 65 with early-onset Alzheimer's may be advised to take more than 20 mg per day, though this is relatively unusual.

Treatment often lasts several years.

Warnings & Side Effects

Serious side effects from Nemdaa 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.

More serious complications are very rare if the medication is used as directed, but they do happen. Seek medical attention if experiencing:

• Visual, auditory, or tactile hallucinations
• Severe confusion
• Severe mood swings
• Agitation or aggression
• Seizures

If too much Nemdaa is taken or it is taken by an unintended recipient, emergency medical attention should be sought even if no symptoms are apparent.

Nemdaa is known to interact with some other medications, including over-the-counter varieties. While these interactions are not always immediately serious, they can degrade effectiveness over time. Always check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing medications.