Namenda side effects: Special warnings

Although Namenda side effects cannot be anticipated, if any develop or change in intensity you need to contact your doctor immediately. Only your doctor can determine if it is still safe to continue taking this memory drug in spite of the Namenda side effects.

The Namenda side effects may include:

Confusion, constipation, coughing, dizziness, hallucinations, headache, high blood pressure, pain, sleepiness, vomiting

Namenda side effects and special warnings:

Namenda is not recommended for patients who have severe kidney impairment. There are various disease conditions that may alter the alkaline balance of the urine, which then may cause a build up of this medication in your body. You should always tell your physician about any major dietary changes, kidney problems such as renal acidosis, or urinary tract infections.

You should always make sure your doctor has information about any history of seizures that you may have. In addition to the previously mentioned Namenda side effects, this medication has not been formally studied among people with seizure disorders.

Namenda side effects and food and drug interactions:

In addition to the Namenda side effects, this medication should not be taken with certain other drugs as the effects can either be increased, decreased or altered in some other way. It is always important to check with your physician when combining Namenda with any of the following medications:

Amantadine (Symmetrel)

Cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB)

Cough suppressants that contain dextromethorphan (usually denoted as "DM")

Glaucoma drug such as Diamox and Neptazane

Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL)

Ketamine (Ketalar)

Nicotine (Nicoderm patch, Nicorette gum)

Quinidine (Quinidex)

Ranitidine (Zantac)

Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda, Alka-Seltzer)

Triamterene (Dyrenium DM)

You always need to be very sensitive to the combination of medications in addition to an awareness of any Namenda side effects.

Information adapted from The PDR Pocket Guide to Prescription Drugs

Medication picture by permission of Drugs.Com

Additional Information and webpage by Paul Susic MA Licensed Psychologist Ph.D. Candidate