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Namenda XR (memantine hydrochloride) is an NMDA receptor antagonist used to improve cognitive function and slow disease progression in Alzheimer's and Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Often used with other medications, Namenda XR can significantly improve quality of life, help patients retain independence, and reduce the necessity for caretakers.

The medication works by inhibiting activity of the neurotransmitter glutamate, which can destroy brain cells at high levels. It is most effective in moderate to severe cases; it provides little benefit in mild cases.

The XR in this product indicates it is an extended-release formula. Taken only once per day, Namenda XR steadily releases even amounts of the medication to the body. In contrast, regular Namenda tablets are taken twice per day, morning and evening, to acheive the same effect.

Treatment Overview

Namenda XR is typically started at low doses, which are increased weekly to the standard dose of 28 mg per day. Tablets can be taken at any time of day, but once a time is chosen tablets should be taken at the same time every day. Missed doses should be taken as soon as remembered, unless it's near time for the next dose, in which case the missed dose should be skipped. If doses are missed for several consecutive days treatment may need to be restarted at lower doses; check with a doctor.

In otherwise healthy patients treatment is usually as follows:

• Start with 7 mg per day for 7 days.
• Increase dosage to 14 mg per day for 7 days.
• Increase dosage to 21 mg per day for 7 days.
• Increase dosage to 28 mg per day and continue for as long as treatment provides benefit.
• Do not exceed 28 mg per day without explicit doctor instruction.
• Tablets may be taken with or without food according to personal preference. Taking with food may help ease side effects like nausea.
• Do not crush, chew, dissolve or otherwise damage tablets; they should be swallowed whole.

For patients just starting treatment, Namenda XR is available in Titration Packs which contain 7 tablets of each dosage strength, everything needed to initiate treatment and increase dosage each week until reaching the target 28 mg per day. Patients already taking regular Namenda who want to switch to Namenda XR can start with 28 mg Namenda XR on the first day after the last dose of regular Namenda; there is no need to gradually increase doses in this case.

Namenda XR's effects are significantly enhanced if taken with an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI), another Alzheimer's treatment. Common AChEI treatments include Exelon and Aricept.

There are, of course, mitigating factors that may influence dosage, such as age, other medical conditions (particularly renal impairment), and other medications being taken.

Quality of Life with Namenda XR

Namenda XR is not a cure for Alzheimer's, but it can significantly reduce symptoms. Patients taking Namenda XR, particularly when also taking an AChEI, usually show improvement in:

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

The medication will also slow the disease's progression. Patients taking Namenda XR can often retain their independence for much longer than they otherwise would and, perhaps more importantly, treatment can provide additional quality time with loved ones.

Namenda XR is well-tolerated and unlikely to produce significant side effects. Side effects that appear at the start of treatment often fade away as the body adjusts to the medication over the following weeks. Most commonly reported are:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue

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

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