The typical dosage of Namenda (memantine) for dementia related to Alzheimer’s disease is one oral tablet taken twice per day. Your dosing schedule may vary based on factors such as your symptoms and other medications you take.
Namenda (memantine) is a brand-name drug prescribed for dementia related to Alzheimer’s disease in adults. It 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 dosages of Namenda.
Learn more about Namenda’s form, strengths, how to take it, and more.
Namenda form
Namenda comes as an immediate-release (IR)* tablet that you swallow.
The drug used to also be available as a brand-name extended-release capsule called Namenda XR,* but this form has been discontinued. The generic version (memantine) is still available.
*“IR” means the drug is released into your body right away, while “XR” means the drug is released into your body slowly over time.
Namenda strengths
Namenda oral tablet comes in two strengths:
- 5 milligrams (mg)
- 10 mg
Typical dosages
Your doctor will likely start by prescribing a low dosage of Namenda and adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following section describes the most commonly prescribed Namenda dosages. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, they may adjust your dosage from those shown here.
Namenda dosage for dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease
The following table shows the typical Namenda dosing schedule, including the starting dosage and maintenance (long-term) dosage.
| 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 each morning and 10 mg each evening, or vice versa | 15 mg |
| third dosage increase (to maintenance dosage), after 7 more days | 10 mg twice per day | 20 mg |
The recommended maximum daily dose of Namenda for Alzheimer’s disease is 20 mg.
For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.
How to take Namenda
Here are tips on how to take Namenda:
- You can take your dose of Namenda with or without food.
- Try to take your doses around the same time each day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body, enabling it to work most effectively.
- Swallow the tablet whole. (The manufacturer does not state whether these tablets can be crushed, split, or chewed.) If you have difficulty swallowing tablets, ask your doctor or pharmacist for suggestions, or check out these tips for swallowing pills.
If you have questions about how to take Namenda, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Long-term treatment
Namenda is meant to be a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine this medication is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
Your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you before prescribing Namenda for your condition.
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 have difficulty opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Namenda in an easy-open container. They can also recommend tools that 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
- hallucinations
- loss of consciousness
- psychosis
- 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.