1. What is Memantine prescribed for?
Memantine is prescribed for improving the symptoms of dementia in Alzheimer's disease patients. Though it doesn't cure the disease, it helps improve the symptoms of this disease over time. It is also prescribed for binge eating disorders and improves the symptoms of schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
2. Can Memantine make dementia worse?
No. Memantine actually helps delay the worsening of dementia-related symptoms like memory loss and improve the brain's cognitive functioning. Studies have shown that Memantine use helps Alzheimer's patients better manage their daily routine. It has also been shown to prevent restlessness and confusion associated with dementia, thus improving the quality of life of Alzheimer's disease patients.
3. What is the best time to take Memantine?
Memantine should be taken once a day in the morning or at night at the same time every day. It can be taken before or after meals but the time should be the same every day. For information related to the time and dosage of the medication, it is always best to follow your physician’s advice.
4. Can memantine cause aggression?
Memantine does not commonly induce aggression, rather it is used to cure symptoms like aggression and depression associated with this disease. However, in rare instances, it is shown to cause behavioral disturbance like aggression and irritability which may be because of worsening of Alzheimer's disease rather than the drug itself.
5. Can you take donepezil and memantine at the same time?
Yes. Donepezil (cholinesterase inhibitors) and memantine (NMDA receptor antagonist) are different classes of drugs that are given together for curing the symptoms of dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease. This fixed-dose combination when used together can significantly improve the physical as well as mental health of Alzheimer’s disease patients.
6. Should Memantine be taken at night?
Memantine can be taken at any time of the day. You must remember to take this medication at the same time every day. Since it may cause a feeling of drowsiness after consumption, you can take it at night to prevent the common side effects associated with Memantine, like sleepiness.
7. What does Memantine do in the brain?
Memantine slows down brain activity by blocking the release of neurotransmitter glutamate by binding to its receptors, thus hampering its action on brain cells. In that way, it protects the vulnerable neurons of the brain from getting overexcited, which is the main cause of brain damage in Alzheimer’s disease.
8. How long can you stay on Memantine?
Memantine can be used as long as your physician recommends it for the treatment of your condition. However many studies have shown that after a year or so, memantine doesn't work in alleviating Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. In that case, it is recommended to revisit your doctor for better advice on the drug regime.
9. Does Memantine cause weight loss?
Apart from Alzheimer's disease, Memantine has also been used to correct binge eating disorders. Some animal studies have shown the effect of Memantine on weight loss. Some clinical studies have also shown that Memantine suppresses hunger, thus helping patients with obesity and binge eating disorders. However, more studies are needed to give a complete picture of it.
10. Does Memantine help you sleep?
Memantine acts on the hyperexcitable brain cells of Alzheimer’s disease patients and slows them down to prevent them from damage. As hyperexcitability dampens and calmness ensues, the feelings of drowsiness and sleepiness can arise and may lead patients to fall asleep. This actually helps Alzheimer’s patients who have fragmented sleep to sleep better.
Consult a specialist at Yashoda Hospitals to know more about memantine treatment and its effects.
