That is why doctors sometimes hope that adding Namenda to Aricept or the other drugs might have an added benefit for patients with moderate or severe dementia. Memantine is used to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD; a brain disease that slowly destroys the memory and the ability to think, learn, communicate and handle daily activities). A neurotransmitter called glutamate helps this process by carrying the signals across cells, but patients with Alzheimer’s have too much glutamate, and the excess throws the process awry, damaging the cells, even killing them, and muddling the message. Memantine may interact with some other drugs such as Dextromethorphane, Cimetidine, procainamide, hydrochlorothiazide, anticholinergics, anticonvulsives, barbituates or dopaminergic antagonists like L-dopa or Parlodel (bromocriptine). There is high-certainty evidence showing no difference between memantine and placebo in the proportion experiencing at least one adverse event: RR 1.03 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.06); the RR does not differ between aetiologies or severities of dementia. Other medications used for Alzheimer's disease affect acetylcholine, one of the neurotransmitter chemicals that nerve cells in the brain use to communicate with one another. Memantine is derived from a naturally occurring compound called adamantine, which is found in teeth and other bony parts of the body. It is thought that this may help to slow down the damage to brain cells affected by Alzheimer's disease. By 42 days, the study reported that, “It was particularly striking in the daily-living tests, of the patients considerable improvement achieved in the quality of performing tasks under Memantine treatment.”, Perhaps most significant of all is Memantine’s performance in late-stage Alzheimer’s disease, where other treatments are currently unavailable. Memantine HCL is not known to cause addiction but, used in high dosages and in conjunction with other substances, can lead to dangerous side effects. Medications containing the drug memantine are supposed to help people who have Alzheimer’s disease remember things and better manage their daily tasks. It works by reducing the amount of a brain chemical called glutamate. It helps balance glutamate, a brain chemical involved in memory and learning. It has been proposed that NMDA receptor antagonists may be effective in the treatment of alcohol dependence. This causes more damage to the nerve cells. What is memantine? 5-HT neural circuits also help counterbalance the tendency of overactive (e.g. Memantine may improve the ability to think and remember or may slow the loss of these abilities in people who have AD. Ethanol potently and selectively inhibits NMDA receptors (NMDARs) and prolonged ethanol exposure produces a compensatory 'upregulation' of NMDAR functions. Memantine (Namenda) for Lewy Body Dementia Thing you should know #1: Memantine, also known by its trade name Namenda, works by blocking a … The site is for educational purposes, medical decisions should not be based on its content and its authors assume no liability for errors or omissions. To this end, the aminoacids L-tryptophan and 5HTP (5-hydroxy-tryptophan) have been used to ‘treat’ alcoholism, although that may be more along the lines to treat the ‘obsessive compulsive disorder.’ We have two articles about these aminoacids which do mention something about this in them, as follows: http://www.antiaging-systems.com/articles/93-l-tryptophan-natural-prozac, http://www.antiaging-systems.com/articles/18-5-htp-prozac-s-true-alternative. These results indicate that memantine may have therapeutical potential as an anti-craving drug for alcohol. Make sure the doctor knows what else the person with dementia is taking. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. In some people Namenda will not necessarily improve symptoms - rather it may slow the progression of symptoms. Rather the problem is caused by a chronic deficit of 5-HT in the nerves which use it as their neurotransmitter. Memantine increased subjective reports of dissociation, confusion, and stimulation, and impaired motor coordination on the balance task. Holter SM, Danysz W, Spanagel R. Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Drug Abuse Group, Munich, Germany. Copyright 2017 © International AntiAging Systems - Any person who wishes to copy and paste information from the website for publishing on the internet unchanged must do so only with the express written permission of IAS. Still, the main goal of this research was to focus more on Aricept’s effectiveness than Namenda’s. The mechanism of action of memantine is believed to lie in the inhibition of a chemical called glutamate. These are the two main conclusions of a 24-week, open-label extension of a 28-week, randomized clinical trial. There are daily factors in our lives that cause over stimulation of NMDA receptors. Aricept (donepezil hydrochloride) and Namenda (memantine hydrochloride) are used to reduce symptoms of mild to moderate dementia like that found in patients with Alzheimer's disease. 20mg per day of Memantine is the recommended dosage, gradually increased from 5mg to 20mg over four weeks. That said I thought I’d list the abstracts from three published articles below, all of which involve memantine and alcohol as they may give you more information to go on: In addition, there are (as you probably know) also links between serotonin and alcoholism. In patients with mild to moderate dementia, onset of improvement can start in as early as 14 days. How does Aricept/Donezepil work? Memantine works by blocking the receptors in the brain that glutamate would normally bind to. Glutamate is another chemical that helps to send messages between nerve cells in the brain. In people with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s, memantine seems to provide some benefits, in terms of slowing the deterioration of Alzheimer’s. How well does memantine work? 1996 Oct 31;314(3). Unfortunately, at present we are not aware of any clients / persons who are using it for this purpose. In addition, the following two Nootropics (Centrophenoxine and Pyritnol) have also been used in Europe to help “control” alcoholism. Memantine reduces the actions of chemicals in the brain that may contribute to the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Encouraging experimental results have been obtained with novel uncompetitive (memantine and neramexane (Merz & Co GmbH/Forest Laboratories Inc)), glycine site and NR2B subunit-selective NMDA antagonists (SSNAs). In addition to being a proven Alzheimer’s Disease treatment, Memantine is useful for treating people who have not been diagnosed with a specific senile dementia, but who have general mental decline. Memantine has been reported in studies as being well-tolerated, with few side effects. To my way of thinking, this is a sign that the process of excitotoxicity plays a role in the development of the disease, and thus methods such as Memantine's pharmacological action could be useful as a preventative too.Robert Mason PhD, Gibraltar. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, confusion and agitation. Memantine use should be carefully monitored by your doctor if you have a history of seizures or have recently had a heart attack, kidney disease or untreated hypertension. But again, the benefit overall seems to be fairly modest. memory. CONCLUSIONS: Memantine was well tolerated in combination with alcohol. Renaissance of NMDA receptor antagonists: do they have a role in the pharmacotherapy for alcoholism? However, when nerve cells are damaged by Alzheimer’s disease, too much glutamate is produced. It is no coincidence that the most popular psychiatric drugs in history are the SSRIs, and the common thread connecting MAOIs, TCAs, and SSRIs is their 5-HT neural effects. However, Namenda does not cure Alzheimer’s disease or halt the deterioration of the brain. Studies with humans and animals over the past 35 years have shown that 5-HT (serotonin) nerve circuits promote feelings of well-being, calm, personal security, relaxation, confidence and concentration. DementiaCareCentral.com was developed with funding from the National Institute on Aging (Grant #R43AG026227). Dad has been on first 5 mg of Donezepril since summer 2014 and then to 10 mg about 1.5 years later in 2nd attempt to increase the dose. 5-HT is the "Achilles heel" of the human brain. Glutamate plays an essential role in learning and memory by triggering NMDA receptors to allow a controlled amount of calcium to flow into the nerve cells. Common Questions and Answers about Does memantine work namenda Hey everyone, I have tried many different ocd drug therapies, but have yet to try a glutamate modulating therapy such as Memantine (Namenda), Riluzole (Rilutek), N-acetyl cysteine, or amantadine. A Swedish study in 1999 reported that, ‘The results of the trial support that Memantine treatment leads to functional improvement and reduces care dependence in severely demented patients.”. The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. As Memantine is known to improve short term memory and concentration in Alzheimer’s sufferers, it follows there are potential uses for other diseases involving cognitive decline. RATIONALE: Alcohol effects in humans involve N-methyl- d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated glutamatergic neurotransmission. Memantine is an Alzheimer’s Disease treatment that has substantial benefits for older people in general. How Does Memantine Work? Aricept is an oral medication taken once daily that stops the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical that helps nerve cells communicate with one another. Although the drug does improve cognitive abilities as it’s mechanism of action, it is most likely to occur only in the use of individuals suffering from dementia or other brain injuries. Namenda works on the brain differently than Aricept does. It is acetylcholine that is badly affected in Alzheimer’s sufferers. It works by regulating the activity of glutamate, a messenger chemical widely involved in brain functions — including learning and memory. RESULTS: Pretreatment with memantine attenuated the craving for alcohol before alcohol administration, but not after alcohol was given. Since 1991 we have been producing articles, magazines and conferences to promote and educate the population on how to maintain optimal health as they age. The other drugs work by combating the breakdown of a neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine. 9,12 This inhibition blocks neuronal excitation or CSD and therefore is thought to inhibit migraine pain. In clinical trials, memantine out-performed a placebo for patients in these phases of the disease. The following was published in Eur J Pharmacol. Aricept, Razadyne, and Exelon work in the same way in the brain, while Namenda works through a different system. What scientists found was that subjects studied while taking the medicine still saw a deterioration of their ability to perform daily tasks like brushing teeth or getting dressed, but the deterioration was slower. Memantine is a drug approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease. Other treatments involve inhibiting an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down the brain neurotransmitter – acetylcholine. There have been a number of clinical studies into Memantine and Alzheimer’s disease. This product is not available at the movement. Severe restlessness has also been shown to be relieved for people who take memantine. Studies show that memantine can somewhat delay the worsening of cognitive (mental) performance. Nagy J. Gedeon Richter Ltd, Pharmacological and Drug Safety Research, PO Box 27, Budapest 10, H-1475 Hungary. Memantine is a prescription drug used to treat moderate to severe confusion (dementia) related to Alzheimer's disease. Cholinesterase inhibitors also work to increase communication between cells but target a different neurotransmitter. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the acute effects of memantine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, on the subjective, physiological, and performance effects of alcohol in moderate (10-30 drinks per week) alcohol drinkers. Studies show that memantine … Accumulating evidence suggests that the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) type of ionotropic glutamate receptor is a particularly important site of action for ethanol. The following was published in IDrugs. METHODS: Eighteen volunteers without alcohol dependence were tested using a double-blind design with three 3-day long inpatient phases separated by at least a 2-week wash-out period. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. How to Converse with People with Dementia, "Positive Approach" for Emotional Distress. Memantine can be taken with other Alzheimer’s drugs such as Aricept, Exelon, and Reminyl (galantamine), as it works in a different manner. Memantine blocks NMDA receptors, and that’s why it … The fourth drug, memantine, regulates the activity of a different chemical messenger in the brain that is also important for learning and memory. Memantine also did not affect alcohol-induced impairment in performance, physiological changes, or pharmacokinetics. Rats consuming alcohol voluntarily for a long time show increased alcohol consumption after a phase of alcohol deprivation and this might reflect increased craving for alcohol. However, memantine will not cure AD or prevent the loss of these abiliti… Memantine, however, appears to work by protecting the brain’s nerve cells against glutamate, which is a chemical released in excess by cells damaged by Alzheimer’s or other neurological disorders. Memantine, commonly prescribed in the United States under the brand name Namenda, is for people with moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. The dose of memantine used (4.8 mg/day) resulted in serum levels close to the therapeutic range in humans. Memantine is believed to work by preventing this destructive process by blocking the action of  Alzheimer’s glutamate at NMDA receptor sites. Memantine is different from a cholinesterase inhibitor, which is another kind of medicine prescribed for persons with Alzheimer’s or other dementia (typically in earlier stages). The following was published in: Psychopharmacology (Berl). Read on to learn more about this drug, its mechanisms, side-effects, and more! 5-HT neurons can, and frequently do, however, suffer a deficit of the raw material from which neurons normally produce 5-HT: the essential amino acid tryptophan (Tryp). There is rarely a problem with the structure or ‘wiring’ of the brain's 5-HT circuits. Other abilities important in daily life may also last longer. Namenda (memantine) is postulated to exert its therapeutic effect through its action by blocking nmda receptors. Namenda is used to treat moderate to severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Please note that S&H costs are per order, not per product. Namenda was approved by the FDA in 2003 and is available as a tablet, a solution, and an extended-release capsule. It is known to improve memory concentration, enhance vigilance, boost concentration and improve short term memory. Taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s is difficult and extremely stressful. Aricept, Razadyne, and Exelon work in the same way in the brain, while Namenda works through a different system. Memantine prevents excess glutamate from killing cells, without damaging the signal. It's taken as a pill or syrup. It does not cure Alzheimer's disease, but it may improve memory, awareness, and the ability to perform daily functions. Memantine protects nerve … Alzheimer’s glutamate binds to receptors in the brain, allowing calcium to flow freely into the cell, a process known as ‘overexcitation.’ Chronic overexposure to calcium in turn leads to cell degeneration. Memantine increased the dissociative effects of alcohol, without altering its sedative, stimulant, and overall intoxicating effects. Namenda (memantine) is approved by the fda for the treatment of moderate to severe alzheimer's dementia. Memantine works in a very different way to most existing drugs used to treat Alzheimer’s. Aricept is a cholinesterase inhibitor and Namenda is an orally active NMDA receptor antagonist. Memantine offers benefits to non Alzheimer’s sufferers too. Memantine helps avoid the aging effects of overexciting our brain receptors by regulating the activity of glutamate. Other treatments involve inhibiting an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down the brain neurotransmitter – acetylcholine. Declaration : These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drugs Administration. Nighttime can be especially difficult for someone with dementia (and for caregivers trying to keep that someone safe) and memantine’s effect on the brain is demonstrated to make nights more calm. Numerous studies have demonstrated its effectiveness for people with mid- to late-stage Alzheimer’s disease. It’s part of a class of drugs known as cholinesterase inhibitors. You may find there differing methods of action interesting, although I do suspect that the improvement is more along the lines of improved memory/ concentration, perhaps as a result of the alcoholism rather than as a preventative to alcohol itself. 2004 Apr;7(4):339-50. Disclaimer: Please note that only your own physician can determine your precise needs, but in order to give you some information these answers are based upon the ‘average person’ and clinical / published results. These changes are believed to underlie the development of ethanol tolerance and dependence as well as acute and delayed signs of withdrawal. Although in vivo data are few, according to their in vitro efficacy and good tolerability, novel NMDA antagonists, especially the NR2B-selective antagonists, may offer a preferable alternative to the presently available pharmacotherapies for treating alcoholism. Memantine is also different from other prescription drugs used for the treatment of Alzheimer’s. Memantine is an oral medication for treating patients with Alzheimer's disease. Memantine (Namenda) is approved by the FDA for treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. Long-term alcohol exposure leads to the development of alcohol dependence, which is possibly induced by changes in specific neurotransmitter functions. The brain uses chemical messengers, called neurotransmitters, to pass signals between nerve cells. Take 20mg per day. Both types of drugs help manage symptoms but work in different ways. The world’s most comprehensive antiaging resource. due to genetics, stress or drugs) DA and NA circuits to encourage over arousal, fear, anger, tension, aggression and violence, obsessive compulsive actions, anxiety and sleep disturbance. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. 2004 Feb;172(1):16-24. Memantine (0, 15, and 30 mg) was administered 4 h before alcohol (1.5 g/l body water), which was given in four divided doses every 20 min. I have read that people have used Memantine for alcoholism but I am unable to find any additional information, do you have any knowledge of this use and any further information? Memantine and cholinesterase inhibitors, in fact, can be prescribed together, and studies have shown they may work in tandem to ease symptoms. It is also used “off-label” to treat dementia, ADHD, PTSD, and other psychiatric conditions. Memantine will be prescribed by a specialist doctor. It isn’t a cure (there is no cure for Alzheimer’s or related dementias) but studies have shown memantine treats symptoms by improving memory, awareness, and concentration. The drug memantine is a safe and effective therapy that helps patients suffering from moderate to severe Alzheimer disease for up to a year. Content cannot be reproduced without permission.©1995-2021. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s. Normally, Medicare Part D, which covers prescription drugs, and Medicare Advantage, which is tailored through a private insurer to fit the specific patient, should both cover the cost of Namenda (or generic equivalent) if it is prescribed by a doctor. Therefore, negative modulators of NMDARs may be useful agents for the pharmacotherapy of alcoholism. Please call our, IAS sponsors and supports all of the following organisations, » View all professional and referenced articles here, » Visit the Aging Matters magazine website, » See the complete list here, also includes audio files, » Read Dr. Dean’s answers to your questions, » What’s happening when and where in the World. This antagonist, which has fewer side effects than other NMDA antagonists, is believed to work by competing with magnesium in the synapse, which inhibits the prolonged influx of calcium. Signals communicated across brain cells essentially enable us to think, learn, and remember. Acute effects of memantine in combination with alcohol in moderate drinkers. Memantine is not a cure, but it can slow down the progression of the symptoms in some people. Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, USA. Evidence for alcohol anti-craving properties of memantine. The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Memantine could help improve memory, attention, reasoning, and language. Glutamate has been shown to cause deterioration of neurons (brain cells) through a chemical process called neuroexcitatory damage. Memantine is the first Alzheimer's drug that shows promise in the late stages of the disease. What Is Memantine and How Does It Work? Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem fo… The fifth medication is a combination of one of the cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil) with memantine. It is an extremely useful preventative medicine in the war against aging, improving memory, learning and general mental functioning. It works by decreasing abnormal activity in the brain. For mental performance, things like learning and remembering, it was the same: Subjects still got worse but at a slower rate. Many of them are believed to be down to diet – food stuffs such as some artificial sweeteners, flavour enhancers (especially MSG) and even hydrolyzed vegetable proteins. Geriatrician added Memantine late July and he was on a 4 week step up and he had a stroke on Day 23 or 2nd day of 4th week. Bisaga A, Evans SM. What does the science have to say about how it works and what it does? NMDAR antagonists attenuate not only the physical symptoms but also some affective and motivational components of alcohol withdrawal. Interestingly, studies have also analyzed whether caregivers saw improvement in their own mental states. Memantine and cholinesterase inhibitors, in fact, can be prescribed together, and studies have shown they may work in tandem to ease symptoms. Different neurotransmitters have different roles; for example, glutamate is involved in learning and memory. If either of these are observed, contact a doctor immediately or seek emergency services. To lower the risk of side effects the daily dosage should gradually be increased from 5mg to 20mg over four weeks. The findings suggest that NMDA receptor neurotransmission may be involved in alcohol craving and alcohol-induced subjective dissociative effects. That said, watch for fatigue, aches, dizziness, nausea, and constipation. It is a useful anti-aging agent in general, providing improvements in memory, attention, reason and concentration. Cholinesterase inhibitors also work to increase communication between cells but target a different neurotransmitter. We also provide information on where to safely purchase hard to obtain medicines, nutritional supplements and bio identical hormones to make these theories and methods a reality.. 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