Question 1

my mom has dementia. she is on celexa, aricept, namenda (memantine) and risperdal. she takes low to normal doses. she has gained 70 lbs in 18 months and feels tired all the time. is it expected? suggestions?

Accepted Answer

Physical activity: Physical exercise regimen shown to be beneficial in patients with mild to moderate dementia. Will help with weight control also.

Question 2

how do you know when aricept and namenda (memantine) have stopped working?

Accepted Answer

Tough to be sure: These medicines are designed to help slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.   Since it doesn't necessarily improve symptoms, it can be difficult to know if it is working or not.  There have been some studies with Aricept (donepezil) showing that even in severely demented individuals, there is still benefit.  If there is no quality of life (i.e. No communication, no adls), i would stop the medicine.

Question 3

what are the side effects of stopping aricept and namenda (memantine)?

Accepted Answer

Worsening: Back to a baseline, significantly lower level of functioning is the most common phenomenon, which is seen by family/staff as a sudden worsening of the dementia (depending on the stage), it may consist of forgetting names, inability to execute simple tasks, not recognizing people/places, incontinence, etc.

Question 4

which alzheimer's drug is most effective: aricept or namenda (memantine)?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Both drugs belong to different class due to specific activity of mechanism for slowing down the progression of alzheimer's disease. The decision to pick either one of them or both is based on the individual. The key to make both drugs successfully is to have socialization and to keep busy for activities.

Question 5

expert opinions? which alzheimer's drug is more effective: aricept or namenda (memantine)?

Accepted Answer

Yes: They both have advantages and disadvantages.  To learn about the risks and benefits to make a decision you should consult your doctor.

Question 6

my father has alzheimers. aricept and namenda (memantine) had worked well-but not so well lately. whats next?

Accepted Answer

Modest meds.: The memory enhancing agents for alz are not cures and only modest control measures.  Usually benefits last only a few years.  Two other choices might be Exelon patch or galantamine, (galantamine hydrobromide) but you might want to first go to Aricept 23, if not tried yet.

Question 7

mom in mid-stage ft dementia. gets bloodshot eyes every 3-4 wks. on namenda, (memantine) aricept, 0.25mg risperdal. most likely drugs or disease the cause?

Accepted Answer

Partly,: Persons with dementis blink a lot less than needed. You see them staring off into space. The eyes are usually red form dryness irritation. Use lubricating eye drops as needed-; refresh, systane or blink eyes drops all are available as over the counter treatment.

Question 8

i stopped taking namenda (memantine) a few days ago because of confusion problems, how long do the effects last after stopping? i now take donepezil 5mg

Accepted Answer

Good change, I hope: The half-life of Namenda (memantine) is no more than 80 hrs. This should mean that it will be unlikely to still have and effects in a week to 10 days. But your doctor or a pharmacist may explain it better. The new drug should not have that side effect, but watch it and discuss risks w/ the doctor too. Best wishes for good results!

Question 9

please describe the medication: namenda (memantine)?

Accepted Answer

Alzheimer's: Indicated for moderate to severe alzheimer's dementia, and used best in combination with anticholinergic drugs.  Seems to slow memory loss, improve behavior, especially agitation, and maybe very useful in nursing homes, where has been noted to improve tv watching.  Actually very safe, but only modestly effective.

Question 10

how does namenda (memantine) work?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Namenda (memantine) is a great medication used for memory enhancement.  It is at times also used to improve general pain or parkinson disease. It has little side effects and the activating side effects are used for the benefit of the patient if possible.

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Doctor answers about:

Aricept namenda memantine

A member asked:

My mom has dementia. she is on celexa, aricept, namenda (memantine) and risperdal. she takes low to normal doses. she has gained 70 lbs in 18 months and feels tired all the time. is it expected? suggestions?

A member asked:

How do you know when aricept and namenda (memantine) have stopped working?

A member asked:

What are the side effects of stopping aricept and namenda (memantine)?

A member asked:

Which alzheimer's drug is most effective: aricept or namenda (memantine)?

A member asked:

Expert opinions? which alzheimer's drug is more effective: aricept or namenda (memantine)?

A member asked:

My father has alzheimers. aricept and namenda (memantine) had worked well-but not so well lately. whats next?

A member asked:

Mom in mid-stage ft dementia. gets bloodshot eyes every 3-4 wks. on namenda, (memantine) aricept, 0.25mg risperdal. most likely drugs or disease the cause?

A member asked:

I stopped taking namenda (memantine) a few days ago because of confusion problems, how long do the effects last after stopping? i now take donepezil 5mg

A member asked:

Please describe the medication: namenda (memantine)?

A member asked:

How does namenda (memantine) work?

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