Admenta (memantine hydrochloride) is used to slow progression and improve cognitive function of individuals who have Alzheimer's disease (AD) or dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB).

Admenta is an N-methyl-Daspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, which works by helping to preserve NMDA receptors in the brain from the neurotransmitter glutamate. Protecting NMDA receptors from further damage helps improve memory and learning ability, among other functions.

This product works best in moderate to severe AD or DLB; little benefit is to be had in mild cases. Admenta should not be used in patients under age 18, but can otherwise be used to help with early-onset Alzheimer's.

Admenta slows progression of the disease but will not stop, reverse, or cure any condition. There will come a time in which the medication no longer provides benefit. In the interim Admenta allows patients to make the most of what time is left.

What to Expect from Admenta

It's important that the patient be evaluated by a doctor prior to initiating treatment; there are a number of conditions which can produce strikingly similar symptoms. Admenta is unlikely to provide any benefit in patients who do not have AD or DLB.

Patients with moderate to severe AD or DLB can expect to see some improvement in:

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

Retaining or improving the above has obvious benefits, both to the patient, loved ones, and caretakers. Individuals taking Admenta often experience reduced dependency on caretakers, increased independence, and a retained sense of self.

It is not realistic to expect patients to return to a pre-AD or DBL state; there will still be some mental impairment. However, Admenta can slow the worsening of the condition, often for years that would otherwise be lost.

Admenta can be used on its own, but is often paired with Aricept or Exelon. While Admenta protects NMDA receptors, Aricept and Exelon preserve the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which helps brain cells communicate with each other. Together these medications provide even greater benefit.

Admenta Administration

Admenta comes in tablets, typically taken once per day with a glass of fluid. Food is optional, but can alleviate gastrointestinal side effects if experienced.

Treatment guidelines are:

• 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.

Most patients take doses just once per day, morning or evening. Some individuals, however, find smaller, multiple daily doses provide greater benefit; doses over 5 mg may be divided into two smaller doses, taken morning and evening.

Younger patients---under age 65---are sometimes prescribed daily doses higher than 20 mg. Elderly patients are in general more susceptible to side effects, and often have at least one other medical condition that further increases risk of side effects. Patients under age 18, aside from being very unlikely to need Admenta, should not take this medication; effects have not been studied and are unknown, but might be severe in still-developing bodies.

Warnings

When Admenta is used as directed and titrated over several weeks, serious complications are rare. They can happen, however, and are more likely to happen if exceeding 20 mg per day:

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

The above warrant medical attention; in the case of seizures, immediate medical attention.

Patients are ideally monitored for the first few weeks of treatment, to watch for the above complications as well as any benefit. Admenta does not work for everyone, and some individuals will have more significant positive effects at lower (under 20 mg) doses. Determining the ideal dose for long-term use is a joint effort between the patient, the doctor, loved ones, and caretakers.

Admenta is known to interact with some other medications, including over-the-counter varieties. Always double-check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing any other medication with Admenta.