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Namenda Targets a Different Pathway

Glutamate-an important treatment target

The glutamate hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease1



Evidence suggests NAMENDA modulates abnormal glutamate activity2


There is no evidence that NAMENDA prevents or slows neurodegeneration in patients with Alzheimer's disease.2

A unique mechanism for treating Alzheimer's disease2

NAMENDA—glutamate pathway

  • NAMENDA may block sustained activation of NMDA* receptors by abnormal glutamate activity2,3
    • Sustained activation of receptors may lead to excessive calcium influx, neuronal dysfunction and cell death.1,3
  • NAMENDA may restore normal glutamate function important for learning and memory1,3


Preferred status on the majority of health plan and Medicare Part D formularies4

AChEIs—acetylcholine pathway6

  • Alzheimer's disease causes neuronal death, resulting in reduced production of acetylcholine (ACh)6
  • AChEIs slow the breakdown of acetylcholine to compensate for its loss6


View a video animation of how the NAMENDA mechanism of action works


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*NMDA=N-methyl-D-aspartate.

† Under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act (MMA), the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) developed Model Guidelines Version 2.0, outlining drug categories and classes that may be used by prescription drug plans in developing their formularies. The USP Guidelines were used as the classification structure for approximately 74% of formularies that were in place when the new Medicare Part D benefit became activated January 1, 2006.7,8


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Important Safety Information

NAMENDA® (memantine HCl) is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. NAMENDA has been used by more than 2 million people worldwide.

NAMENDA is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to memantine HCl or any excipients used in the formulation. The most common adverse events reported with NAMENDA vs placebo (≥5% and higher than placebo) were dizziness, confusion, headache, and constipation. In patients with severe renal impairment, the dosage should be reduced.

See Full Prescribing Information