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Memantine

  • Memantine is used to treat Alzheimer's disease
  • When starting your treatment your doctor will start off with a small dose and gradually increase the dose
  • The most common side-effects are constipation, headache, dizziness and drowsiness

About memantine

Type of medicine Anti-dementia drugs (glutamatergic modulator)
Used for Alzheimer's disease
Also called Ebixa
Available as Tablets and oral drops

Memantine is used to treat Alzheimer's disease. It cannot cure Alzheimer's disease but it may help with memory loss. It works by blocking the effect of a chemical in the brain that is thought to cause memory disturbances

Before taking memantine

Before taking memantine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from liver, kidney or heart problems
  • If you suffer from epilepsy
  • If you have a history of high and uncontrolled blood pressure
  • If you suffer from infection of the bladder or urinary tract

How to take memantine

  • If you are taking memantine twice a day, ideally it should be taken at breakfast time and in the afternoon or evening time.
  • Changes in diet particularly a change from a mixed diet that includes meat and vegetables, to a vegetarian diet may have an effect on treatment with memantine. Talk to your doctor before you make any major changes to your diet
  • Try to take memantine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you miss a dose take it a soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual times. Never take two doses at the same time to compensate.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • It may take several weeks before memantine appears to take effect. You should not stop taking your medication unless directed by your doctor.
  • When starting your treatment your doctor will start off with a small dose and gradually increase the dose. This allows your doctor to make sure that you have the right dose that helps your condition and avoids any unwanted symptoms.
  • Discuss with your doctor if your illness will allow you to still drive or operate machinery safely.
  • While taking memantine you must avoid getting pregnant. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about suitable contraception.

Can memantine cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Constipation Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day. If constipation continues to be a problem speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor.
Dizziness and/or drowsiness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
Avoid alcohol; it will increase any feelings of drowsiness
Confusion or tiredness If you experience these side effects speak with your doctor although they may be as a result of your conditions as well as the medicines you are taking.
Hallucinations and/or fits If you experience these side effects speak with your doctor as soon as possible.

How to store memantine

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2006 DocID:
1421		 DocRef:
dils3852		 Last Updated:
20 Nov 2006		 Date of Next Review:
19 Nov 2008		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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