Navigating the world of Alzheimer's disease may seem overwhelming, but feeling confident about the Alzheimer's medication prescribed may help you to feel more comfortable about the caregiving decisions you are making. See the Frequently Asked Questions below for more information about Namenda^® (memantine HCl)* therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why treat Alzheimer's with Namenda?
2. Should I be worried about side effects of Namenda?
3. Is Namenda easy to take?
4. What makes Namenda different from other Alzheimer's medications?

Why treat Alzheimer's with Namenda?

Namenda offers proven benefits with a low rate of side effects. ^{1, 13}

Alzheimer's is a progressive disease and, as it progresses, patients will experience varying degrees of symptoms that affect daily living. These symptoms, such as memory loss, the inability to learn new things, difficulty holding a conversation, sundowning (unsettled behavior evident in late day or early evening), wandering, and sudden behavioral outbursts can be upsetting and frustrating for both people with Alzheimer's disease and caregivers alike. ⁹

While there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, it's important to know that Namenda has been shown in clinical trials to help slow the progression of symptoms that effect memory, behavior and the ability to perform daily activities. ^{1, 13}

Should I be worried about side effects of Namenda?

Namenda is safe and well tolerated. In fact, more than two million patients have taken Namenda worldwide. Major clinical trials published in prominent journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of the American Medical Association, have proven Namenda's tolerability in people with Alzheimer's disease. In fact, patients in these studies taking Namenda experienced the same types and frequency of common drug side effects as those taking a sugar pill. ^{1, 13}

However, like with all medications, patients may experience side effects while taking Namenda. These side effects can include dizziness, constipation, headache and confusion. In clinical trials, some patients with Alzheimer's disease experienced a temporary period of confusion when starting Namenda or when a new dose is started during the titration period. If confusion is experienced, you can talk with the doctor about possibly adjusting the dosage. However, it's important not to stop taking Namenda without talking to a doctor.* ⁴

Adverse Events Reported in ≥5% of patients in Either Group
	NAMENDA (N=940)	Placebo (N=922)
Dizziness	6.8%	5.3%
Agitation	6.7%	10.6%
Confusion	6.2%	4.6%
Headache	5.7%	3.4%
Constipation	5.3%	3.0%
Fall	5.1%	5.4%
Accidental Injury	4.7%	6.9%

People taking Namenda experienced a low rate of gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. In fact, patients who took a sugar pill experienced about the same frequency of gastrointestinal side effects as those that took Namenda.* ⁵

Additionally, it's safe to take Namenda with most other medications; Namenda has a low potential for drug interactions. However, before starting Namenda, you should talk with the doctor about all prescription and over–the–counter medications being taken. ¹⁷

Adverse Events Reported in ≥5% of patients in Either Group
	NAMENDA + Aricept (N=202)	Placebo + Aricept (N=922)
Agitation	9.4%	11.9%
Confusion	7.9%	2.0%
Fall	7.4%	7.0%
Influenza–like symptoms	7.4%	6.5%
Dizziness	6.9%	8.0%
Headache	6.4%	2.5%
Urinary tract infections	5.9%	5.0%
Urinary incontinence	5.4%	3.0%
Accidental injury	5.0%	8.0%
Upper respiratory tract infection	5.0%	6.5%
Peripheral edema	5.0%	4.0%
Diarrhea	4.5%	8.5%
Fecal incontinence	2.0%	5.0%

Proven benefits, low rate of side effects. Learn more about treating moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease with Namenda.

Is Namenda easy to take?

Namenda is easy to administer and easy to take. It can be taken with or without food and is available in tablets and liquid, for those who have difficulty swallowing tablets or prefer liquid.

Are You:

• Not Yet Taking Alzheimer's Medication?
• On Another Alzheimer's
  Medication?
• Currently on Namenda?

You can obtain a Patient Starter Kit (available in most doctor's offices) and/or receive a prescription for a Titration Pak (as a prescription at your pharmacy) to make starting Namenda simple and easy. The Titration Pak will help guide you for the first four weeks of Alzheimer's therapy, gradually increasing the medication to the maintenance dosage.

It's important to remember that Namenda, like any medication, should be taken as prescribed by the doctor. Do not skip doses and do not double the dose. Do not stop taking Namenda unless directed by the doctor.

It's understandable to be apprehensive when starting a new medication. But Namenda is easy to start with and easy to stay with. Talk with the doctor about treating moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease with Namenda. ¹⁷

What makes Namenda different from other Alzheimer's medications?

Namenda works in an entirely different way than other approved Alzheimer's medications. It targets glutamate which is thought to be associated with the brain's ability to learn and remember.

Glutamate is a chemical in the brain that has been associated with learning and memory. Abnormal glutamate activity in the brain may lead to Alzheimer's disease symptoms. Namenda may help improve normal glutamate activity. This is believed to be important for learning and memory. ⁶

Namenda may help to slow progression of Alzheimer's symptoms including impairment in memory, behavior and ability to perform daily activities. ^{1, 13} And, because of the differences in the way they work, Namenda can be taken alone or in combination with another approved Alzheimer's medication.