Namenda (memantine) Side Effects -- emedtv.com
Namenda Side Effects
Headache, dizziness, and confusion are the most common Namenda side effects. While side effects of the medication are generally minor, some may need to be reported to a healthcare provider. Potentially serious side effects of Namenda that require immediate medical attention include painful or difficult breathing, hallucinations, and signs of an allergic reaction.
An Introduction to Namenda Side Effects
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Namenda® (memantine hydrochloride); however, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Namenda. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Namenda side effects with you.)
Common Side Effects of Namenda
Namenda has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these trials, one group of people was given the real medication, while another group was given a placebo (a "sugar pill" with no active ingredients). This way, it is possible to see what Namenda side effects occurred, how often they appeared, and how they compared to the group who took the placebo.
In these studies, the most common side effects of Namenda included:
* Dizziness -- in up to 7 percent of people
* Headaches -- up to 6 percent
* Confusion -- up to 6 percent
* Constipation -- up to 5 percent
* High blood pressure -- up to 4 percent
* Cough -- up to 4 percent.
Other common side effects, occurring in 2 to 3 percent of people, included:
* Fatigue
* General body pain
* Back pain
* Vomiting
* Drowsiness.
Serious Namenda Side Effects
Some side effects with Namenda, while occurring infrequently, are potentially serious and should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. These include but are not limited to:
* Hallucinations
* Painful or difficulty breathing
* Signs of an allergic reaction, including:
o An unexplained rash
o Hives
o Itching
o Swelling of the mouth or throat
o Wheezing
o Difficulty breathing.
Less Common Namenda Side Effects
Rare Namenda side effects occurred in less than 2 percent of people taking the drug. Because these side effects are so uncommon, it is difficult to tell whether they are actually caused by Namenda or something else. There is a good chance that these "side effects" could be completely unrelated to the drug.
These less common side effects include but are not limited to:
* Low blood pressure (hypotension)
* A spinning sensation (vertigo)
* Anemia
* Weight loss
* Sleeping problems
* Pneumonia
* Hair loss
* Eczema
* Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
* Frequent urination or difficulty passing urine.
Final Thoughts on Namenda Side Effects
You may experience some or none of the side effects listed in this article. Unfortunately, there is no way for your healthcare provider to know beforehand if you will have side effects from a medicine that you have never taken. Therefore, make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you develop any side effects while taking the drug or if something "just does not seem right." While it may not be a side effect of Namenda, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.
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