Memantine

Pronounced me-MAN-teen

Brand names: Namenda

Type: NMDA blocker (dementia medicine) · All Neurology Medicines

What Memantine is used for

  • Moderate to severe Alzheimer disease dementia
  • Added to cholinesterase inhibitors in Alzheimer disease

◆ Kidney note

Cleared by the kidneys — the dose is lowered when kidney function is significantly reduced.

Common side effects

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Constipation
  • Confusion (less commonly)

Important cautions

  • Generally well tolerated; new confusion or hallucinations should be reported, as they occasionally come from the medicine rather than the disease

How it comes

Tablets, extended-release capsules, liquid. This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.

Please note: This page is a patient-education summary, not medical advice, and it deliberately contains no doses. Medicines affect everyone differently — always follow your own prescription and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.