Generic Namenda Approved By FDA

Namenda was first approved by FDA in 2003 for treatment of alzheimer. It was first patened as Namenda by Forest Labotateries. FDA has approved generic version of Namenda to Sun Pharmaceuticals.

Memantine Hydrochloride is generic for Namenda. Other brand names for Namenda are Axura and Akatinol, Ebixa and Abixa and Memox. Namenda is prescription drug, it means patients are needed to provide valid prescription to buy this drug.

How Does Namenda Work?

Namenda is the only drug of class selective NMDA glutamate receptors antagonist.

It works by blocking attachment of glutamate to NMDA receptors. Improper functioning of glutamatergic neurotransmission is believed to cause Alzheimer's disease.

A pathological process in which glutamate damages or kills nerve cells is referred as Excitotoxicity in medical. Excitotoxicity = Improper functioning of glutamatergic neurotransmission.

Namenda works by releasing memantine which prevents activation of glutamate by sticking to NMDA receptors. High concentration of glutamate, caused by high level of CA2+ ions, disturbs physiological function of the receptor. Memantine prevents excess level of Ca2+ ions by preventing activation of glutamate.

Namenda Side Effects

Side effects of Namenda were found well tolerable in clinical trials. Namenda
side effects include......

1. Confusion


2. Dizziness


3. Drowsiness


4. Headache


5. Insomnia


6. Agitation


7. Hallucinations

Other rare side effects are anxiety, vomiting, increased muscle tension, infection of the urinary bladder (cystitis) and increased libido.

'High cost of Namenda overcomes its benefits' was the reason cited by UK's National Institute for Clinical Excellence for not recommending use of the drug. Now that generic for Namenda is available it will be of great aid to Alzheimer patients.