Medicine & USMLE

Memantine

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Neuro Drugs
  1. Anticholinergic Syndrome
  2. Cholinergic Crisis
  3. Benztropine / Trihexyphenidyl
  4. Pyridostigmine, Neostigmine, Edrophonium
  5. Donepezil
  6. Memantine
  7. Scopolamine
  8. Levodopa, Carbidopa
  9. Selegiline / Rasagiline
  10. Entacapone / Tolcapone
  11. Propofol
  12. Halothane / Flurane
  13. Opioids
  14. Succinylcholine
  15. Lidocaine
  16. Ergotamine
  17. Triptans
  18. Pregabalin
  19. Gabapentin
  20. Ramelteon

Summary

Memantine is a medication that is used to treat Alzheimer Disease. This medication offers a symptomatic benefit by improving the cognition of patients, but cannot cure nor reverse the course of disease.

Key Points

  • Memantine (Namenda)
    • Mechanism
      • NMDA receptor antagonist
        • Binds to NMDA receptors, blocking the neurotransmitter glutamate which then prevents calcium from building up in the brain cells.
    • Clinical Uses
      • Alzheimer Disease
        • Memantine is not a cure, but slows the progression of the disease
    • Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
      • Stevens Johnson Syndrome
        • Report symptoms of a rash immediately
      • Sedation, drowsiness
      • Dizziness
      • Constipation
      • Headaches