SUMMARY:

Well it was bound to happen eventually. After recording & editing episode 58 it was brought to my attention that memantine was already covered back in episode 19! I guess here is the new version? Sorry everybody. If I have time I’ll prepare a different drug for a bonus episode and now I’ve learned to check before pulling notes together, recording, editing, etc… 

EPISODE #19 Summary:  Memantine is a NMDA antagonist that goes by the brand name Namenda. There are also titration packs available in the name brand. Memantine treats but does not cure confusion and dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease. There are multiple dosage forms being a capsule, solution, and tablet. Special considerations are for patients with renal and hepatic impairment. Memantine does appear to have higher exposure in women than men. Memantine is proposed to work on the glutamate receptor blocking the receptor much like magnesium does under “normal” conditions. This drug has a long elimination half-life between 60-80 hours. The main side effects are weight gain, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea and vomiting. A serious side effect is Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Two main types of drugs that interact with Namenda are alkalinizing agents and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. The drug can be taken with or without food and if a dose is missed it should not be doubled on the next dose. The missed dose should be skipped and resumed regularly.