Memantine reduces the actions of chemicals in the brain that may contribute to the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Memantine is used to treat moderate to severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type.

Memantine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Before using memantine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have a seizure disorder, cataracts, liver or kidney disease, or a bladder or kidney infection.

Memantine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to memantine.

Before using memantine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• cataracts;

• liver disease;

• kidney disease; or

• a bladder or kidney infection.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take memantine.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether memantine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.