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A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Chemical Name: MEMANTINE (me-MAN-teen)
NAMENDA is used to treat moderate to severe symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Namenda is in a class of medications called NMDA receptor antagonists. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. Memantine can help people with Alzheimer's disease to think more clearly and perform daily activities more easily, but it is not a cure and does not stop the progression of the disease.
NAMENDA does not cure Alzheimer's disease, but it may improve memory, awareness, and the ability to perform daily functions.
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. NAMENDA should be taken with a full glass of water and may be taken with or without food. It is important to use NAMENDA regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Before taking NAMENDA, patients should inform their doctor if:
Most medications can cause side effects which can be defined as an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can range from mild or severe, temporary or permanent. Side effects are not experienced all patients who take this medication. Many side effects can be managed, and others may go away over time.
Common side effects may include extreme tiredness, dizziness, confusion, headache, sleepiness, constipation, vomiting, coughing and pain anywhere in your body, especially your back.
Serious side effects may include cough, chest tightness, fever, trouble breathing; chest pain, fast heart rate; confusion, hallucinations; sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body; lack of coordination; fainting or seizure (convulsions); urinating less than usual or not at all; pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; or increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure).
Get emergency medical attention if you have any signs of an allergic reaction (hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat). Stop using NAMENDA immediately and call your doctor at once if you experience any of the above noted serious side effects.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about additional side effects that you may experience.