Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Memantine as follows:
Central nervous system side-effects
- Memantine use can result in depression of the central nervous system and lead to episodes of confusion, hallucinations, dizziness, and light-headedness. Starting the medication at a low dose, watching for the response, and gradually changing the dose, to help optimum control of your symptoms, can contribute to controlling/reducing the risk for drowsiness and dizziness due to the medication
- Memantine use, especially in individuals with history of anxiety and mood disorders, carries risk of deterioration with worsening of clinical symptoms of mood disorders. Individuals can present with complaints such as, feeling low, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, gross appetite changes, impulsiveness, agitation, aggression, and suicidal thoughts.
- Memantine use can on occasions result in precipitation of seizures, especially in individuals with history of the same.
