Namzaric side effects and how to avoid them

Namzaric is a brand-name medication manufactured by Forest Laboratories, LLC. It is classified as a cholinesterase inhibitor and is used to treat dementia in people with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. While Namzaric is generally well tolerated, there are some potential side effects that people should be aware of. The most common side effects of Namzaric include nausea and loss of appetite. Less common but more serious side effects can include serious allergic reactions.

Learn more about the side effects of Namzaric and what you can do to avoid them.

What is Namzaric?

Namzaric is prescribed to treat moderate to severe dementia in adults who have Alzheimer’s disease. There’s no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, although medications can help slow the deterioration in brain function it causes. Namzaric can help prolong thinking, memory, and other areas of brain function if you have moderate to severe dementia.

How does Namzaric work?

Namzaric has two active ingredients, memantine hydrochloride and donepezil hydrochloride. Memantine hydrochloride helps your brain cells to send signals to each other. As Alzheimer’s causes protein plaques to build up in your brain, it makes it harder for your neurons to pass signals to each other. Memantine helps by stimulating the areas of your brain cells that receive signals, called receptors. This makes it easier for your brain cells to receive and send signals and helps preserve brain function. Memantine specifically targets receptors involved in learning and memory.

Donepezil hydrochloride (an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor) has a range of positive effects on your brain. Like memantine, it stimulates certain brain cell receptors, helping your brain cells send and receive signals. It also increases the number of certain neurotransmitters in your brain, chemicals that help your neurons send signals. Donepezil does this by blocking the enzymes that break down acetylcholine. This stops the enzymes from working and causes concentrations of acetylcholine to rise.

How does Namzaric help Alzheimer’s?

Namzaric may help to improve your memory and ability to perform daily tasks.

How effective is Namzaric?

Namzaric temporarily gives relief from the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Namzaric does not prevent the cause of Alzheimer’s.

Namzaric dosage

Namzaric is available in capsule form in the following doses: 14 mg memantine hydrochloride extended-release capsule and 10 mg donepezil hydrochloride, and 28 mg memantine hydrochloride extended-release capsules and 10 mg donepezil hydrochloride

Namzaric comes as an oral capsule, taken once a day in the evening. Namzaric may be taken with or without food. If you are unable to swallow the capsules, you may sprinkle the contents on applesauce. If you miss a dose of Namzaric, you may skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

You are advised to read the medication guide provided with this medicine for the drug information and patient information, and always speak with your healthcare provider for medical advice about any changes to your dose so they can monitor and evaluate your condition.

When is the best time to take Namzaric?

Take Namzaric orally with or without food once daily just before bedtime.

Namzaric side effects

The most common possible side effects of Namzaric include:

• Headaches
• Diarrhea
• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Being sick (vomiting)
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite (anorexia)
• Bruising more easily

In some rarer instances, Namzaric can cause more serious side effects, including:

• Severe allergic reactions – hives, swelling of your face or hands, mouth, lips, or throat, chest tightness, and trouble breathing
• Stomach/intestinal bleeding such as black/bloody, tarry stools, vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, stomach pain, difficulty urinating
• Muscle problems if you’re given anesthesia
• A slow heart rate and fainting
• An increase in stomach acid can lead to bleeding and ulcers
• Seizures
• Problems passing urine
• A worsening of existing lung problems, like asthma

If you experience any of these serious side effects, stop taking Namzaric and seek medical attention immediately. You are encouraged to report the adverse effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Can Namzaric cause confusion?

Overdose symptoms may cause confusion as well as severe dizziness, weakness, difficulty walking, fast or slow heart rate, sweating, agitation, unusual thoughts or behavior, hallucinations, shallow breathing, seizures, or fainting.

Does Namzaric cause withdrawal symptoms?

Do not stop using Nazmaric suddenly as this may make your condition worse.

Namzaric drug interactions

Namzaric can interact with other medications, including:

• Any other Alzheimer’s disease medications
• Any medications taken for heart conditions, like quinidine or beta-blockers
• Any painkillers, like aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen
• Any oral anticoagulants (blood thinners)
• Anticonvulsants such as phenobarbital
• Any barbiturates usually used to help you sleep
• Any antifungal medications, like ketoconazole or itraconazole
• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as acetazolamide, methazolamide
• Amantadine, taken to treat dyskinesia
• Rifampin, used to treat tuberculosis
• Carbamazepine or phenytoin, taken to treat epilepsy
• Cimetidine or ranitidine, taken to treat heartburn and peptic ulcers
• Dextromethorphan, used in cough medicines

Before taking Namzaric, be sure to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking to ensure they are safe to take at the same time.

Namzaric warnings & precautions

Do not take Namzaric if you:

• Are allergic to the active ingredients memantine hydrochloride or donepezil hydrochloride
• Are allergic to any of the other ingredients in Namzaric
• Are allergic to medications that contain piperidines
• Are under 18 years of age

Talk to your doctor before taking Namzaric if you:

• Are taking any of the medications that could interact with Namzaric
• Have any heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG)
• Have asthma or another lung problem
• Have any kidney problems
• Have any liver problems
• Have any bladder problems
• Have a stomach ulcer
• Are planning to have a surgical, dental, or other medical procedure where anesthesia may be used
• Are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed

You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication, including Namzaric, to make sure it is safe for you.

How much does Namzaric cost?

Namzaric prices will vary depending on the amount you buy and where you buy it from. A pack of 28 10 mg-14 mg Namzaric capsules will cost between $510 to $550. Please note that this price is just a guide.

How to avoid Namzaric side effects

The best way to avoid side effects is to take Namzaric as directed by your doctor. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, and do not take more or less than prescribed.

If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to recommend ways to help reduce or prevent some of the side effects.

1. Stick to the recommended dosage

Take your prescribed dose of Namzaric that has been recommended by your healthcare professional. Do not take more or less than prescribed.

2. Monitor your blood sugar levels

If you have diabetes, it is important to monitor your blood sugar levels closely while taking Namzaric. Check your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor and report any changes to your doctor immediately.

3. Drink plenty of fluids

Drink eight to 10 glasses of water or fluids every day to help prevent dehydration, which can make side effects worse.

4. Avoid alcohol

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Namzaric as it can increase your risk of side effects such as dizziness.

5. Don’t skip meals

Eating regular meals and snacks will help to prevent low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia).

6. Check your feet

If you have diabetes, check your feet for any cuts, sores, or redness regularly. Tell your doctor if you experience any problems with your feet while taking Namzaric.

7. Know the signs and symptoms of Namzaric side effects

Signs and symptoms of side effects include nausea and loss of appetite. If you experience these symptoms, speak to your doctor for medical advice.

8. Monitor your weight

Namzaric may cause loss of appetite and weight loss. If you experience this side effect while taking Namzaric, get medical advice from your doctor.

9. Tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking

Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as they can interact with Namzaric.

10. Get regular medical checkups

It is important to get regular medical checkups and monitor your medical conditions. Your doctor will monitor your condition and may adjust your dose of Namzaric as needed.