This medicine belongs to a family of drugs knows as NMDA receptor antagonists.

Take Memantine Hydrochloride exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Memantine can be taken with or without food.

Stop taking Memantine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects may also occur. Continue to take the medication and talk to your doctor if you experience
· drowsiness;
· dizziness or fainting;
· increased blood pressure;
· headache;
· constipation;
· nausea or vomiting;
· confusion or hallucinations; or
· coughing.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Before taking Mementine, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
the antiviral medicines amantadine (Symmetrel) or rimantadine (Flumadine);
the cough medicine dextromethorphan (found in many prescription and over-the-counter cough and cold products);
a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor such as acetazolamide (Diamox), dichlorphenamide (Daranide), or methazolamide (Neptazane, MZM, Glauctabs); or
potassium citrate (Urocit K, K-Lyte, Effer-K, others).
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of an overdose may include restlessness, psychosis, hallucinations, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Memantine hydrochloride is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe dementia of the Alzheimers type.
It is not a cure and will not stop the disease from progressing.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Before taking memantine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, severe urinary tract infections. This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.