Namenda (memantine) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for Alzheimer’s disease in adults. Namenda comes as an oral tablet that’s typically taken twice per day. It also comes as an oral capsule that’s typically taken once per day.
Namenda belongs to a drug class called N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists. Namenda is available in a generic version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Namenda, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Namenda, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages for Namenda provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Namenda, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
Read below for details about the dosages for Namenda’s indications and other details about the drug.
Namenda forms
Namenda comes in two oral forms: an immediate-release (IR) tablet and an extended-release (XR) capsule. “IR” means the drug is released into your body right away. “XR” means the drug is released into your body slowly over time.
Namenda strengths
Namenda oral IR tablet comes in two strengths:
- 5 milligrams (mg)
- 10 mg
Namenda oral XR capsule comes in four strengths:
- 7 mg
- 14 mg
- 21 mg
- 28 mg
Typical dosages
Typically, your doctor will start by prescribing you a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed in adults. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.
Namenda IR dosage for dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease
Doctors may prescribe Namenda IR oral tablet to treat Alzheimer’s disease.
See the table below for the typical dosage schedule, including the starting dosage and maintenance dosage.
Typical dosage for Namenda IR oral tablet
| Dosage changes | Daily dosage | Daily mg total |
|---|---|---|
| starting dosage | 5 mg once per day | 5 mg |
| first dosage increase, after 7 days | 5 mg twice per day | 10 mg |
| second dosage increase, after 7 more days | 5 mg every morning and 10 mg every evening, or vice versa | 15 mg |
| third dosage increase to maintenance dosage, after 7 more days | 10 mg twice per day | 20 mg |
The maximum recommended dosage of Namenda IR for Alzheimer’s disease is 20 mg per day.
For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.
Namenda XR dosage for dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease
Doctors may prescribe Namenda XR oral capsule to treat Alzheimer’s disease. See the table below for the typical dosage schedule, including the starting dosage and maintenance dosage.
Typical dosage for Namenda XR oral capsule
| Dosage increases | Daily dosages |
|---|---|
| starting dosage | 7 mg once per day |
| first dosage increase, after 7 days | 14 mg once per day |
| second dosage increase, after 7 more days | 21 mg once per day |
| third dosage increase to maintenance dosage, after 7 more days | 28 mg once per day |
The maximum recommended dosage of Namenda XR for Alzheimer’s disease is 28 mg per day.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage.
How to take Namenda
Here are tips on how to take Namenda IR tablets or XR capsules:
- For Namenda oral IR tablets:
- When you take your Namenda oral IR tablet, swallow it whole. The manufacturer does not state whether these tablets can be crushed, split, or chewed. If you have trouble swallowing the tablets, talk with your doctor.
- For Namenda oral XR capsules:
- When you take your Namenda oral XR capsule, swallow it whole. Do not divide, crush, or chew Namenda capsules.
- If you have trouble swallowing Namenda XR capsules, you can open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on a small amount of applesauce. Swallow the applesauce right away, without chewing. Then drink a glass of water to make sure you’ve swallowed all of the applesauce.
- For both Namenda oral IR tablets and XR capsules:
- You may take your dose of Namenda with or without food.
- It may be helpful to take Namenda around the same time each day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Namenda can work effectively.
- If you have trouble swallowing capsules or tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have questions about how to use Namenda, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Long-term treatment
Namenda is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Namenda is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
Before you start taking Namenda, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERSSome pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Namenda in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.
It’s important that you do not take more Namenda than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
Symptoms of an overdose
Overdose symptoms of Namenda can include:
- agitation
- confusion
- dizziness
- loss of consciousness
- psychosis
- hallucinations
- restlessness
- sleepiness
- slow heart rate
- slow movements
- unsteady walking
- vomiting
- weakness
If you take more than the recommended amount of Namenda
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Namenda. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.