Can you take donepezil and Namenda together?

Can you take donepezil and Namenda together?

Dec. 29, 2014 — The FDA has approved a combination pill for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease in people already being treated with both drugs. The pill, called Namzaric, combines memantine hydrochloride extended-release (Namenda) and donepezil hydrochloride (Aricept). The two drugs are often prescribed together.

Why would you add memantine to donepezil?

Memantine plus donepezil showed superior outcomes for cognition, global assessment, daily activities, and neuropsychiatric symptoms, but lower acceptability than monotherapy and placebo. Combination therapy may be more cost-effective, because memantine slows the progression of AD.

Can you just stop taking Namenda?

Memantine helps to control the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease but does not cure it. Continue to take memantine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking memantine without talking to your doctor.

What does Namenda help with?

Memantine is used to treat moderate to severe confusion (dementia) related to Alzheimer’s disease. It does not cure Alzheimer’s disease, but it may improve memory, awareness, and the ability to perform daily functions.

Is donepezil and Namenda the same?

Aricept (donepezil hydrochloride) and Namenda (memantine hydrochloride) are used to reduce symptoms of mild to moderate dementia like that found in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Aricept and Namenda belong to different drug classes.

Are donepezil and memantine the same?

Memantine works by blocking the action of a certain natural substance in the brain (glutamate) that is believed to be linked to symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Donepezil is an enzyme blocker that works by restoring the balance of natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

Is Namenda stronger than Aricept?

Depending on which drug they are taking, patients are usually prescribed between 3mg-20mg each day. The cost of a generic version of Namenda (20mg/day) is typically a little more than of the generic version of Aricept (10mg/day), and seems to be less effective for most patients.