Treatments
Memantine (Namenda)
Memantine is approved for moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's. It works differently from donepezil and is often added on top rather than instead.
Updated 2026-02-20
How it works
Memantine modulates glutamate — a different brain chemical from acetylcholine. It can soften agitation, improve attention, and reduce some behavioral symptoms in moderate-to-severe disease.
Starting it
- Usually titrated up from 5 mg to 20 mg/day over 4 weeks.
- Often combined with donepezil — there's a combination pill, Namzaric.
- Generally well-tolerated. Less nausea than cholinesterase inhibitors.
- Watch for dizziness, confusion, headache initially.
Frequently asked questions
- Will it help in early-stage?
- Memantine isn't approved or well-studied in early-stage Alzheimer's. Most prescribers wait for moderate disease.
Every dementia journey is different.
Memory Lane Care helps you understand what applies to your loved one, what to expect next, and which resources fit your family's situation.
Related across the journey
Memory Lane connects every part of dementia care. Here's how this topic threads into the rest.
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