Memantine and Donepezil

Generic name: Memantine and Donepezil [ me-MAN-teen-& doh-NEP-e-zil ]
Brand name: Namzaric
Drug class: Cholinesterase inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 12, 2023.

Uses of Memantine and Donepezil:

• It is used to treat dementia in people with Alzheimer's disease.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Memantine and Donepezil?

• If you are allergic to memantine and donepezil; any part of memantine and donepezil; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take memantine and donepezil with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Memantine and Donepezil?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take memantine and donepezil. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• This medicine is not a cure for Alzheimer's disease. Stay under the care of your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using memantine and donepezil while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Memantine and Donepezil) best taken?

Use memantine and donepezil as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take in the evening.
• Take with or without food.
• Swallow whole. Do not chew or crush.
• Do not take any capsules that do not look normal or are damaged.
• If you cannot swallow memantine and donepezil whole, you may sprinkle the contents on applesauce. If you do this, swallow the mixture right away without chewing.
• Keep taking memantine and donepezil as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Trouble passing urine.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• Fever or chills.
• Sore throat.
• Trouble breathing that is new or worse.
• Seizures.
• Very bad headache.
• Stomach pain or heartburn.
• Black, tarry, or bloody stools.
• Throwing up blood or throw up that looks like coffee grounds.
• Slow heartbeat.
• A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
• Bruising.

What are some other side effects of Memantine and Donepezil?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Diarrhea.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Not hungry.
• Dizziness.
• Headache.
• Muscle cramps.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• Not able to sleep.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Memantine and Donepezil?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in the original container or in another container that protects memantine and donepezil from light.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about memantine and donepezil, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer