Uses
What is Namzaric used for?
Namzaric is commonly used to treat moderate to severe dementia related to Alzheimer’s disease.
Namzaric may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Namzaric work (mechanism of action)?
Namzaric contains two medicines called memantine and donepezil.
Memantine may help manage symptoms of Alzheimer's disease by blocking the effects of glutamate. Glutamate is a natural brain chemical that is linked to Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. Memantine belongs to a class of medicines called N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists.
Donepezil may help manage symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease by preventing the breakdown of a natural chemical in the brain called acetylcholine, allowing more acetylcholine to build up in the brain.
How is Namzaric supplied (dosage forms)?
Namzaric is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 7 mg/10 mg extended-release oral capsules
- 14 mg/10 mg extended-release oral capsules
- 21 mg/10 mg extended-release oral capsules
- 28 mg/10 mg extended-release oral capsules
How should I store Namzaric?
Namzaric should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from light.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Namzaric?
The most common side effects of Namzaric are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Bruising
There may be other side effects of Namzaric that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Namzaric?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Namzaric are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Namzaric may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Namzaric and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Heart Rhythm Changes. Namzaric may cause heart rhythm problems that can lead to an irregular heartbeat and fainting. In rare cases, this may cause the heart to suddenly stop beating (cardiac arrest). Some people have a higher risk of this, including people with existing heart disease or who take other medicines that affect the heart. Get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of heart rhythm changes.
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or fainting
- Changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast, slow, pounding or skipping heartbeat
Stomach Bleeding. Namzaric may increase your risk of bleeding, ulcers, and tears (perforation) in your gut. The risk is higher if you have a history of stomach ulcers, bleeding problems, or take certain other medicines. Stop taking Namzaric and get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Vomit blood
- Black or tarry poop
- Stomach pain that does not go away
- Upset stomach
- Feel faint
Inability to Empty Bladder (Urinary Retention). Namzaric might make it harder to empty your bladder. Call your healthcare provider right away if you cannot empty your bladder.
Seizures. Some people who have taken Namzaric have reported having seizures. There are many different types of seizures, and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop taking Namzaric and call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.
- Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
- Stiffening of your arms and legs
- Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Falling or losing consciousness
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Namzaric?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Namzaric.
- Namzaric
- Donepezil
- Memantine
- Any other medicine known as piperidines
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Namzaric.
What should I know about Namzaric before using it?
Do not take Namzaric unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share Namzaric with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Namzaric out of the reach of children.
Do not chew, cut, or crush Namzaric extended-release oral capsules. Swallow Namzaric extended-release oral capsules whole. If you cannot swallow the capsules whole, they may be opened and sprinkled on applesauce and swallowed without chewing, making sure to swallow the entire contents of the capsule.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Namzaric?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Namzaric is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
- Heart problems, including irregular, slow, or fast heartbeat
- Lung problems, including asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease
- Seizures
- Stomach ulcers
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- Bladder problems, urinary tract infection, or difficulty passing urine
- Recent changes in your diet
- Planned surgery, medical procedures, or dental surgery or procedures
Other Medicines and Supplements. Namzaric may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Namzaric, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Namzaric could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Namzaric passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Namzaric while breastfeeding.
How can I get more information about Namzaric?
For more information about Namzaric, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at https://www.namzaric.com/ or call them at 800-678-1605.
Interactions
Does Namzaric interact with foods or drinks?
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Namzaric. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking Namzaric.
Does Namzaric interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Namzaric.
- Certain antacids that contain sodium bicarbonate
- A carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, such as zonisamide (Zonegran), acetazolamide (Diamox), or methazolamide
- Any other medicine known as an NMDA antagonist, such as amantadine (Symmetrel and others, which may be used for flu and Parkinson’s disease), ketamine (Ketalar or Spravato, which may be used for depression or anesthesia), and dextromethorphan (Delsym and others, which are commonly used for cough)
- A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which is contained in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
- An anticholinergic medicine, which includes antihistamines and medicines commonly used for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, or stomach problems
- Anesthesia given to you by your healthcare provider during surgery, medical procedures, or dental procedures
- A type of medicine called a cholinergic, which includes bethanechol (which may be used for urinary retention), and certain other medicines commonly used for dry mouth, dry eyes, and glaucoma
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Namzaric. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Namzaric?
If you or someone else has used too much Namzaric, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Namzaric?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Namzaric (memantine/donepezil)?
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