Memantine is prescribed to treat dementia symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease - such as memory loss and the impairment of thinking.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes the brain to shink and brain cells to die. This produces symptoms of memory loss, difficulty with thinking and reasoning, changes in behavior, and an inability to perform daily tasks. According to the Mayo Clinic, about 5.8 million Americans manage Alzheimer’s disease every year. The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not known, but genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors are all believed to play a part in the development of this condition.

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Memantine is prescribed as a means of reducing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease – particularly memory loss and thinking impairment. Memantine will not stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, nor will it help all symptoms of the condition.

Memantine is classified in a category of medications known as NMDA receptor antagonists. These drugs work by binding themselves to NMDA receptors in the brain. This helps decrease abnormal brain activity thought to cause some symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Memantine is not a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Clinical studies do not show evidence that memantine slows or ceases the progress of neurodegeneration. It is prescribed to help individuals managing Alzheimer’s disease reduce symptoms of memory loss and thinking/ reasoning impairment.

Memantine has been shown to cause some mild side effects. If these adverse effects become severe or do not go away within a few days, talk to your health care provider.

Common side effects include:

• Dizziness
  
• Confusion
  
• Mood changes (irritability/ depression)
  
• Drowsiness
  
• Headaches
  
• Constipation
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Nausea
  
• Vomiting
  
• Weight gain
  
• Cough
  

This is not a complete list of possible adverse effects.

If you experience an unexplained rash, difficulty breathing, or hallucinations while taking memantine, seek medical attention immediately.

Talk to your health care provider about any medication you are currently taking, or any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with before starting treatment with memantine.

Memantine is commonly supplied as an oral tablet, capsule, or oral liquid.

Extended-release capsules: Extended-release memantine is prescribed as a 7 mg oral capsule to be taken once a day. Your doctor may increase this dosage as needed, but will not exceed 28 mg per day.

Tablets and liquid: Oral tablets or liquid memantine is prescribed as a 5 mg dose to be taken once a day. Your doctor may increase this dosage as needed, but will not exceed 10 mg two times a day.

Memantine is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not memantine is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for memantine to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.