Namenda Side Effects

Generic name: memantine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 3, 2023.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Namenda Side Effects associated with memantine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Namenda.

Applies to memantine: oral capsule extended release, oral solution, oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Common side effects of Namenda

Some side effects of memantine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Serious side effects of Namenda

Along with its needed effects, memantine (the active ingredient contained in Namenda) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking memantine:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to memantine: oral capsule extended release, oral kit, oral solution, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most common adverse reactions (frequency of at least 5% and higher than placebo) were dizziness, headache, confusion, constipation, and diarrhea.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension, hypotension, bradycardia, angina pectoris, phlebitis, deep thrombophlebitis, cardiac arrest
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cardiac failure, venous thrombosis/thromboembolism
• Frequency not reported: Postural hypotension, rhythm and rate disturbance (e.g., atrial fibrillation), QTc prolongation, ischemic event and sudden death (e.g., myocardial infarction), embolism, venous thrombosis/thromboembolism^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Purpura, rash, basal cell carcinoma
• Frequency not reported: Dermatitis, skin disorder, skin ulceration, bullous eruption, pruritus, increased sweating
• Postmarketing reports: Stevens Johnson syndrome^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Common (1% to 10%): Hyperglycemia, diabetes mellitus
• Frequency not reported: Aggravated diabetes mellitus^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, gastroenteritis
• Frequency not reported: Diverticulitis, dyspepsia, hemorrhoids, gastric ulcer, ileus
• Postmarketing reports: Pancreatitis^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, urinary tract infection, hyperuricemia, micturition frequency
• Frequency not reported: Cystitis, pyuria, hematuria^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): Increased ALT, increased AST, increased gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), increased phosphatase alkaline, elevated liver function test
• Postmarketing reports: Hepatitis, bilirubinemia^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Common (1% to 10%): Drug hypersensitivity^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Increased weight, decreased weight, anorexia, dehydration, hypokalemia
• Frequency not reported: Increased appetite, hypernatremia, hyponatremia^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Back pain, arthralgia, leg pain, hypertonia, arthrosis, muscle weakness, myalgia, skeletal pain^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, headache, somnolence, balance disorders, abnormal gait, syncope, coma
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Seizures
• Frequency not reported: Aphasia, speech disorder, hyperkinesia, dyskinesia, dementia, partial epileptic seizure, convulsions, tremor, extrapyramidal disorder, transient ischemic attack, vertigo, numbness, paresthesia, stupor, cerebrovascular disorder, intracranial hemorrhage^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Cataract, conjunctivitis^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue, peripheral edema, pain, influenza, inflicted injury, fall, dependent edema, tooth ache, tooth caries, edema, abrasion
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Fungal infections
• Frequency not reported: Fever, asthenia, tiredness, chest pain, menstrual disorder^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Confusion, hallucination, anxiety, depression, aggression, agitation, insomnia, delusion, sleep disorder, abnormal crying
• Frequency not reported: Increased libido, mental status changes, nervousness, excitation/mania, suicide attempt, psychotic reactions
• Postmarketing reports: Suicidal ideation, suicide, psychotic reactions^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Coughing, dyspnea, bronchitis, pneumonia, upper respiratory tract infection, apnea, rhinitis
• Frequency not reported: Atelectasis^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Anemia
• Postmarketing reports: Agranulocytosis, leukopenia (including neutropenia), pancytopenia, thrombocytopenia, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), leucocytosis^[Ref]

Renal

• Frequency not reported: Abnormal renal function, renal calculus
• Postmarketing reports: Acute renal failure (including increased creatinine, renal insufficiency)^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• What are 4 key Namenda side effects to watch out for?
• How does Namenda work?

Further information

Namenda side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer