Memantine (Ebixa®)

Another of the messengers that carry instructions around the brain is called glutamine. Glutamine is involved in memory and learning process. They have proved that high levels of glutamate over stimulate different glutamine receptors in the brain contributing the expression of the symptoms and progression of the disease in Alzheimer’s dementia. Memantine antagonists these receptors in neurons allowing the normal activation of the receptors during memory formation, but blocks the effects of elevated toxic levels of glutamate that may be responsible for neuronal malfunction

Memantine (Ebixa®) should be inicially started at half tablet of 10mg and increased in steps of half tablet at intervals of 1 week up to one 10mg tablets twice daily. Tablets should be taken in the morning and in the evening regularly.

Memantine is the firtst drug that has proven a good response in moderate to severe Alzheimer’s demantia. It may be useful in patients that either cannot tolerate or do not respond to donezepil, rivastagmine or galantamine and who show moderate symptoms of the disease. There are several studies researching the effectiveness of adding memantine to the treatment of the disease in association with donezepil, rivastagmine or galantamine, although the cost of the treatment could make unpopular

Memantine has proved of significant benefit in global and daily living activities, apart from increased cognostive function

Memantine has created a great controversy within the medical community. The NHS have not published an official guideline for prescribing the drug and it may not be published until mid 2005. Unfortunately, in the meantime, Memantine is not available in many areas as several health authorities have not approved its prescription due to it cost

Memantine is a well tolerate drugs. Few side effects have been reported, mainly dizziness, headache and tiredness

Reproduced with kind permission of Maria Sanchez our Consultant Pharmacist