Memantine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• MSD
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 5, 2018

For Alzheimer's Disease "My mother and stepmother both have dementia. My mother was on the Exalon patch and my stepmother is on donepazil and memantine. She started it at stage 4. I see no real positive effects. The side effects are really bad and requires additional medication. I think that this drug may help in the earlier stages. Its very expensive and difficult to give. The extended release is better for the Alzheimer's patients. Not sure I would take it. Causes mood swings."

• Sibelt
• October 17, 2017

For Autism "My daughter is just started this medicine. She is taken guanfacine as well. Her stomach hurt she she was on but medicine seems to work her asperger. She is happy. We are given another try to this med with half dose to eliminate her stomach pain. Everything is better than weight gain asperger meds."

• Babs
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 16, 2019

"My husband is the patient. He has had Parkinsons about 10 years. About 3 years ago he started having memory problems to the point of not remembering the day of the week or what he had just eaten. The neurologist prescribed Aricept which did not show much improvement but soon he decided to try memantine 5mg morning and night. The memantine has been remarkable for his memory and parkinsons and how it has brought him back around, I am amazed at what all he remembers and just occasionally has a little problem. Sorry so many people have not been helped as he has but I can say Thank God it works great for him so far."

• nate_...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 20, 2023

"I started taking this medication and the first night I had dreams that were vivid and disorienting, but not unpleasant. The next day I felt better than I have felt in years. My Chronic Fatigue seems to have nearly disappeared. My double-vision is getting better. I have some slight anxiety (the difference between misery and normalcy is a bit jarring), but this is my miracle medication. Side effects so far have been minimal. Metabolism is up, so I cannot skip meals without consequences. Nothing negative, really."

• clssy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 24, 2014

Namenda XR (memantine) "My mother is on a dose of 21 mg NAMENDA XR and I think it is making her symptoms worse. She is very medication sensitive and I see her CHI as more depressed, forgetful, worrisome and confused. I will be discussing as always with her doctor But I feel she needs to be removed from this medicine. Plus on a side note it is nearly impossible to get this medicine, although that has nothing to do with her taking the medication."

• Kelly
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 8, 2022

For Migraine "I started at 5 mg memantine and worked my way up to 15 mg, for migraines. The first few days my headaches were better, and I felt a little buzzed, but not in a terrible way (I could still function). By the time I got up to 15 mg, I had such bad vertigo I could hardly walk and felt like I was drugged. Side effects went away shortly after stopping it."

• Dee
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 30, 2018

For Alzheimer's Disease "My father has been diagnosed with dementia he was gradually getting worse not recognizing us ( his adult children) and not sure which era he was in ( he is 92 years of age) then he started wandering on the road my mum was at her wits end looking after him. Then his doctor prescribed Marixino and it literally has been a complete turn around. He is back over in his garden pottering about, he remembers all our names knows who he is again laughs tell jokes and has his little sarcastic humor back! My brother also has been giving our dad dioralyte for dehydration and movicol to help his bowel movements and a combination of all these seem to have greatly improved dads whole well being."

• Tina
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 28, 2018

Namenda XR (memantine) for Alzheimer's Disease "My mother was on this for several years when she lived alone. She had increasing anxiety over time to the point of not being suitable to go to a restaurant. I asked her to go off it for a while. The difference in her anxiety off this medication was astounding. She went back on this medication fearing her dementia was worsening off of it. The family physician prescribed Trazadone to counteract the anxiety. Over a two month period her decline was extremely marked. She did not have anxiety but had a huge decline in memory and personality. She is now off of both meds. and has very low anxiety. However, it looks like the decline in memory is permanent. Her psychiatrist told us long ago that these medications do nothing and have some pretty severe side effects."

• ARC
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2024

For Alzheimer's Disease "I only use it once a day. I was prescribed 10 mg from the start. After reading about it, I am surprised that I was prescribed 10 mg from the start. I am supposed to take it twice daily, but it makes me very dizzy, so I only take it once a day."

• R 76 yo
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 2, 2022

For Alzheimer's Disease "A case study. Taking prescribed 10 mg twice/day with food since early 2019. In mid 2020 (mid COVID-19) I didn't take memantine for 2 months, then realized things were "foggy" and ramped back up in 3 days. In 2 weeks no more fogginess and have kept the dosage since with minor increased dementia. Have had symptoms similar to pre-Alzheimers for probably 20 years or more, now mild or low-moderate dementia--hard to tell because I nearly pass the quick oral tests but forget, fumble for words, multitask poorly, and lose balance. Physically very healthy, abnormally fit (heavy HIIT 3 or 4x/week), neuroscience background, pretty good diet, almost no alcohol, Wordle and NYT crosswords daily. Dementia especially when tired, need food, or stressed."

• TBI...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 21, 2023

Namenda XR (memantine) "I actually began taking Namenda XR after being prescribed by a neurologist who had a hunch that it might help with cognitive processing and short-term memory problems related to a traumatic brain injury I sustained at age 14. I started taking this at age 16, and it has been life-changing. I went from struggling to form a complete sentence to talking much more fluidly, and I feel more sharp and present every day, and don't 'space out' as much. Without it, I definitely struggle more with my cognitive processing. I've done a lot of research but have never seen anywhere discussing alternative uses for Namenda, so I want to share my story. I hope that it can be recognized as a possible therapeutic treatment for people with traumatic brain injuries because it has greatly improved my quality of life. I am on a lot of other medications, so there could be side effects, but I don't recall there being anything major. I've been on it now for 10 years and am still doing well tolerating it."

• Migra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 2, 2023

For Migraine "Memantine has been a godsend! I have had migraines since I was a child, which have become progressively worse with time. I developed a refractory migraine in 2021 and was on Topamax for 20 months. It either lost effectiveness or my migraine overpowered the positive effects of the medication. I was bedbound for 3 days due to severe pain and nausea. I started memantine and the pain subsided. Currently, most days on memantine, I don't feel migraine pain or when I do, it's bearable. I get a severe migraine about once every two weeks now and they are still whoppers. They come on suddenly and are incapacitating. I have to lie down immediately or I will throw up. Despite these, I'm still quite functional. I have tried many medications for migraines and they have all eventually stopped working. I hope that memantine continues to provide effective relief for a long time to come. I have experienced no noticeable side effects."

• Heidi
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 23, 2017

For Alzheimer's Disease "I was just reviewing this medicine and had about given up on it for my husband. Then I read about the man who has taken it for 5 years and has not had a bad reaction. Dr gave it to my husband because he said it will get more oxygen to the brain. My husband does not have Alzheimers but he was taking medicine for biopolar and his side effect for psychotic drugs was bad neurological conditions. He as been on Memantine for 9 months. He seems to be alright but will I will look for any side effects."

• Namenda...
• August 20, 2017

Namenda XR (memantine) for Alzheimer's Disease "My Mom is 94 years old and has been prescribed Namenda XR once a day for Alzheimer's disease. It has helped her to be quite clear and focused. When our neighbour recently fell and broke her back, Mom asked to find out the name of the rehab facility so she could send her flowers. Mom remembered that in January 2016, she fell and broke her tibila and fibula (leg) and this neighbor sent my Mom an orchid plant, making Mom feel very happy. Mom still forgets current information. Where are we going? To the doctor. 10 minutes later, where are we going? To the doctor. Also this medication is pricey, $162.01!"

• Krat
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 27, 2023

"My father is 90. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor in July. He underwent 10 rounds of whole-brain radiation. They started him on Memantine/Namenda on day one of radiation, varying the dose as he went through therapy. Dad was great, and at his 6-week appointment, he was doing so well that they were completely astonished. He did lose his appetite, so they took him off the Memantine, which he was supposed to be on for 6 months to protect cognitive function loss as the radiation continues to work. 10 days after coming off of it, he was confused, had slurred speech, and zero appetite. I asked that he be back on it, so they put him right back on it. Four days after being back on it, he is more alert, communicates better, and is actually getting his appetite back. This drug is a lifesaver for the memory, and I am thankful he can be back on it."

• RFano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 9, 2019

For Alzheimer's Disease "Started this about 5 weeks ago and take 10mg 2x daily. Using it with 100mg Luvox and 450mg Wellbutrin for OCD. Not too many side effects to date. Work up to the maintenance dose. The Luvox is a different story. Had to go back on Wellbutrin to stay awake. Also using low dose Naltrexone daily. Years of Benzos, alcohol, and Ambien took it's toll on my memory."

• Rachel
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 2, 2024

Namenda (memantine) "I was prescribed Namenda as an off-label use for OCD. Prior to taking it, I had been dealing with obsessive thoughts about the safety of my children. I couldn't seem to move from one thought to another, and I would dwell for days on sad news stories about children and would feel sick to my stomach. My doctor tried me on a couple of things, but I am very sensitive to medication and ended up with side effects. She then tried me on Namenda 5mg, and I noticed a difference after taking one pill. I cannot say enough good things about this medication. I was very scared to try it at first since it was created for dementia and not OCD, but I'm so glad I did. My agitation and ruminating thoughts are so much better. I can sit at a park and watch my kids play without having a constant fear they are going to fall and hurt themselves. I have also noticed a huge benefit to my cognitive issues. My memory seems to have improved."

• Kyle4uk
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 15, 2016

For Alzheimer's Disease "Before my seizures my memory was almost perfect after I was lucky if could remember 2 minutes ago. Namenda helped me with one of the effects of the seizures and MS I hated the most it has helped me feel closer to the me before the seizures than any of the medications have. Only negative is the price and I'm fighting an up hill battle trying to get any kind of insurance."

• Jim
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 26, 2022

For Migraine "I have been on Memantine for a few years now started the 5mg then to 10mg. For me it has been a daily prevention medication. I still get some pre-migraine starts but the go away in a short time. It's not the cure all for me though, but it does help a lot."

• Vampyre...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 19, 2023

"I love memantine. I have suffered severe memory loss for the last year or 2 now since I started having seizures. I would do things like my grandpa when he had Alzheimer's. I would like to get tested for that in the future. I used to not be able to finish tasks, understand people, walk into the men's bathroom, wear 2 wrong shoes, I've mixed up the gas and brake pedal while driving, I forget what I'm doing, people's names, where I am sometimes, etc. Memantine has helped tremendously with my memory. I still get confused, but it has helped so much. I am so thankful for this medication. I have not noticed any negative side effects. My doctor also prescribed this for my social anxiety since it is used off-label for that. Memantine does help with my social anxiety. I don't like talking to people I don't know. Even calling the doctor's office gives me severe anxiety. So do crowds of people and going to Costco by myself. This helps. What normally would give me a panic attack isn't as bad now."

• Coco
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 26, 2024

For Alzheimer's Disease "I do not note any difference... but then I am also taking Eliquis, sertraline, and metoprolol. I have noted that while the diagnosis of Alzheimer's was awful, I have been consistently upbeat and cheerful."

• mothe...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 2, 2024

Namenda (memantine) "Works great to lengthen the time needed between ketamine infusions for pain. It is a NMDA but doesn’t have the side effects like ketamine, making it great to use at home. Works best when used every day."

• Tiffany
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 1, 2023

For Migraine "I take 10mg twice a day of Memantine. It helps decrease the severity of the migraine pain and duration. It also helps shorten the recovery time and symptoms. It also seems to be helping with my permanent post concussion symptoms. Lessen the 'hungover' effect I live with on a daily basis (I don't consume alcohol). It has also lessened the severity of movement migraines I get just from moving my head around. While it hasn't decreased migraine attacks, it has lessened severity and that makes an improvement in my life. Side effects would be hard for me to determine since post concussion syndrome exists. Definitely hope to be able to continue with this medication since Topamax was a complete mental nightmare for me."

• Anonymous
• September 19, 2008

Namenda (memantine) for Alzheimer's Disease "After 2 years of taking Namenda at age 93 she is no worse. It may have helped by slowing down or stopping this terrible condition."

• Anonymous
• February 18, 2012

Namenda (memantine) for Alzheimer's Disease "Mom has taken since 2007. Wish it was a time release medication. Too hard to get Alzheimer's patients to take medicines even once a day. It does help but may cause dehydration."