Ebixa (Memantine Hydrochloride)

Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information

Prescription Required

Quick Facts

Generic Name
memantine hydrochloride
Drug Class
N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists
Used For
Moderately severe to severe Alzheimer's disease
How Taken
Oral tablet, once daily

What Is Ebixa Used For?

Ebixa is a medication that helps manage symptoms of Alzheimer's disease by protecting brain receptors.

Primary Uses

Ebixa is primarily used to treat moderately severe to severe Alzheimer's disease.

How It Works

Ebixa works by protecting NMDA receptors in the brain from excessive glutamate, which may contribute to brain degeneration.

Good to know: Ebixa is not addictive.

Continue Reading

Sign in to access the complete medication guide including dosage, side effects, warnings, and more.

How to Take Ebixa

Take Ebixa as directed by your doctor, typically as a single daily dose.

Dosage Instructions

The standard dose starts at 5 mg per day, increasing weekly to a maximum of 20 mg per day, depending on your response and condition.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose.

Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Available Tablet Strengths

10mg
10mg Tablet Yellow, Oval • M
20mg
20mg Tablet Pink, Oval • 20

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

  • Headache
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Constipation
  • Shortness of breath
  • Tiredness
  • Sleepiness
  • Dizziness
  • Anxiety
  • Diarrhoea
  • Nausea
  • Loss of appetite

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Serious allergic reactions
  • Swelling of hands, ankles, or feet
  • Confusion
  • Hallucinations
  • Increased seizure risk in epileptics

Impulse Control Issues

Monitor for any impulse control issues, especially in patients with a history of such problems.

Important Warnings

There are several important considerations before taking Ebixa.

Who Should Not Take Ebixa

Do not take Ebixa if you are allergic to memantine or any of its ingredients, or if you have a history of seizures.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Discuss with your doctor if you have kidney issues, heart problems, high blood pressure, or liver disease.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Ebixa is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential risks.

Elderly Patients With Dementia: Elderly patients with dementia should be monitored closely due to increased risks.

Drug Interactions

Certain medications may interact with Ebixa and affect its effectiveness.

Grapefruit interaction: Consult your doctor about potential interactions with grapefruit.

  • Anticholinergics
  • Atropine
  • Levodopa
  • Bromocriptine
  • Amantadine
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Barbiturates
  • Ketamine
  • Dantrolene
  • Baclofen
  • Dextromethorphan
  • Quinidine
  • Procainamide
  • Nicotine
  • Cimetidine
  • Ranitidine
  • Urinary alkalinisers
  • Quinine
  • Warfarin
  • Hydrochlorothiazide

Alcohol & Driving

Be cautious with alcohol consumption and operating machinery while on Ebixa.

Alcohol

Avoid alcohol as it may exacerbate side effects.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Consult your doctor about your ability to drive or operate machinery safely while taking Ebixa.

Storage

Store Ebixa below 30°C in its original blister pack, away from moisture and heat.

Overdose Information

If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms may include confusion, dizziness, and seizures.

Frequently Asked Questions

It may take several weeks to notice improvements in symptoms.

You can take Ebixa with or without food.

No, Ebixa is not considered addictive.

Do not stop taking Ebixa without consulting your doctor, as it may worsen your condition.

It is advisable to avoid alcohol while taking Ebixa.

Weight gain is not commonly reported as a side effect of Ebixa.

Elderly patients should be monitored closely while taking Ebixa due to increased risks.

Important Disclaimer

This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.

Create a free account to access the full medication guide.

Sign in to access your medication guides.