NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Memantine

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Memantine is a moderate-affinity, uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist indicated for moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's disease. It is the only approved Alzheimer's drug with a non-cholinergic mechanism and is often used in combination with donepezil. It provides modest improvements in cognition, daily function, and behavioral symptoms.

Evidence tier
Moderate
Indexed sources
10 2018–2025
Interactions
0
Category
Prescription
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Memantine is a moderate-affinity, uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist indicated for moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's disease. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as moderate. Common adult dosing is 5 mg once daily initially, increased by 5 mg/week to target of 10 mg twice daily (immediate-release) or 28 mg once daily (extended-release) (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Slows cognitive and functional decline in moderate-to-severe AD6,7
  • Synergistic benefit when combined with cholinesterase inhibitors
  • May improve behavioral symptoms (agitation, aggression)
  • Generally well tolerated with fewer GI side effects than AChE inhibitors
What to watch for
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Constipation
  • Known hypersensitivity to memantine1,2
  • Severe renal impairment without dose adjustment6,7

The bottom line

Evidence rating moderate. Most-documented uses: slows cognitive and functional decline in moderate-to-severe ad, synergistic benefit when combined with cholinesterase inhibitors, may improve behavioral symptoms (agitation, aggression). 10 sources indexed (2018–2025), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Blocks pathologically activated NMDA receptors by binding to the ion channel in a voltage-dependent manner, reducing excessive glutamatergic excitotoxicity that contributes to neuronal damage in Alzheimer's disease. At therapeutic concentrations, it preferentially blocks tonically active (extrasynaptic) NMDA receptors while preserving physiologic phasic synaptic transmission necessary for learning and memory.

Class
NMDA Antagonist / Alzheimer's
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
5 mg once daily initially, increased by 5 mg/week to target of 10 mg twice daily (immediate-release) or 28 mg once daily (extended-release) (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Extended-release capsule (Namenda XR 28 mg) for once-daily dosing; immediate-release tablets or oral solution also available

Well absorbed with ~100% bioavailability; food does not affect absorption. Dose adjustment needed for severe renal impairment (CrCl 5-29 mL/min: max 5 mg BID).

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Constipation
  • Confusion
  • Hypertension
  • Somnolence

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to memantine1,2
  • Severe renal impairment without dose adjustment6,7
  • Conditions that raise urine pH significantly (renal tubular acidosis, severe UTIs with urease-producing bacteria) as this impairs excretion
  • Concurrent use of other NMDA antagonists (amantadine, ketamine, dextromethorphan)
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

5

Reference material

5
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Memantine, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Memantine?

Memantine is a moderate-affinity, uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist indicated for moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's disease. It is the only approved Alzheimer's drug with a non-cholinergic mechanism and is often used in combination with donepezil. It provides modest improvements in cognition, daily function, and behavioral symptoms.

What is Memantine used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Memantine include: Slows cognitive and functional decline in moderate-to-severe AD; Synergistic benefit when combined with cholinesterase inhibitors; May improve behavioral symptoms (agitation, aggression); Generally well tolerated with fewer GI side effects than AChE inhibitors. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as moderate.

What is a typical dose of Memantine?

A typical adult dose of Memantine is 5 mg once daily initially, increased by 5 mg/week to target of 10 mg twice daily (immediate-release) or 28 mg once daily (extended-release) (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Extended-release capsule (Namenda XR 28 mg) for once-daily dosing; immediate-release tablets or oral solution also available. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Memantine?

Reported side effects include dizziness, headache, constipation, confusion, hypertension, somnolence. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Memantine?

NutriStack rates this as Moderate, meaning several aligned RCTs or one large RCT plus supporting reviews. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Memantine in NutriStack.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.