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Memantine experiences

Colacho10
Colacho10 Member Posts: 21
10 Comments
Member
in Caring for a Parent

I'm a caregiver for my dad, who has been on Donepezil for a while now for his Alzheimer's. He is doing well for now, but it is only a matter of time before the doctor prescribes him Memantine, too, if I understood correctly.

I've seen side effects, dizziness, headaches, confusion, etc. But I'm wondering, what are some real-world experiences? How common are these side effects? How severe were they for your LO? Did they happen right away or after a while? How long do they last, and how often do they happen?

Also, I am interested in when exactly Memantine is added to therapy? What are some symptoms of Alzheimer's that indicate it is time to add it? I talked to a doctor about it, but I am interested in your experiences.

Thanks in advance, and I'm wishing you all good health.

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  • SusanB-dil
    SusanB-dil Member Posts: 1,474
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    edited August 22

    MIL was on Memantine for a while, and did very well with it.

    Started with very low-dose and worked up, and she really didn't have any side effects from it.

    We did eventually ween her off of it because at her stage, it is no longer helpful and doesn't do anything for her. We figure no sense continuing something that is no longer needed.

  • Sunfish47
    Sunfish47 Member Posts: 2
    First Comment
    Member

    My DH was on Donepezil for six months for MCI before Memantine was added due to him seeing people that were not there. This was at the time we got the alz diagnosis. Then after another three months the Memantine was upped to twice a day. DH is still in stage 5 and thankfully not having side effects from the meds and he’s not seeing the non existent people as much, and I’m hoping to delay stage 6 for as long as possible.

  • budhamom
    budhamom Member Posts: 1
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    Where did you find info on different stages
  • AmandaF
    AmandaF Member Posts: 39
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    Our neurologist prescribed this to help with behaviors (delusions and anxiety). It seemed to help but of course it’s hard to really know, as things are always changing. We didn’t notice any side effects.

  • SDianeL
    SDianeL Member Posts: 1,997
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    https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/251301#Comment_251301

    Google 7 stages of dementia and look for a chart that shows behaviors in each stage. It will give you a general idea. Behaviors can overlap stages or appear later so look for the stage with the most behaviors your LO is showing.

  • SDianeL
    SDianeL Member Posts: 1,997
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    my DH was put on Memantine immediately after diagnosis. The Neurologist said it might help his attention. I saw no difference but with no side effects I left him on it. It did not delay progression.

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
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