Uses of Donepezil+Memantine

The combination of Donepezil+Memantine is used to treat moderate to severe dementia caused due to Alzheimer’s disease (Alzheimer’s type dementia).

Therapeutic Category

Donepezil: Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

Memantine: NMDA receptor antagonists

How Donepezil+Memantine works

Donepezil acts by restoring the levels of acetylcholine in the brain by blocking the actions of an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase which usually breaks down acetylcholine. Memantine acts by suppressing the overactivation of glutamate in the brain that causes nerve damage. Together, they restore the balance between chemical messengers in the brain, regulates proper transmission of nerve signals and reduces the symptoms of Alzheimer’s type dementia.

Common side effects of Donepezil+Memantine

• diarrhea
• bruising (bleeding under the skin)
• headache, dizziness
• nausea, vomiting
• loss of appetite
• weight gain
• loss of bladder control
• back pain
• drowsiness

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• muscle problems, fast or slow or irregular heartbeat, difficulty in passing urine, fits (seizures)
• black/bloody stools, vomit that contains blood or looks like coffee grounds, stomach pain
• mental or mood changes such as depression or aggression
• severe dizziness or fainting

Health Tips for Donepezil+Memantine

• Donepezil+Memantine can be taken with or without food. Strictly follow the dosing schedule as instructed by your doctor. Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor
• Donepezil+Memantine can cause excessive dizziness or drowsiness. Therefore, do not drive or perform any activities that require complete concentration. Avoid consumption of alcohol as it could aggravate your dizziness
• Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have any liver, kidney, or heart problems
• You must also inform your doctor if you have any stomach problems (ulcer or bleeding in the gut), breathing problems (asthma), bladder problems, epilepsy or are severely dehydrated due to excessive sweating, vomiting or diarrhea
• Donepezil+Memantine may cause nausea and vomiting during the initial days of therapy. These side effects are unusually temporary and disappears as your body gets used to the medicine
• There is no proper information regarding the use of Donepezil+Memantine in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Therefore, consult your doctor for advice before taking it