Treatments

Memantine (Ebixa or Axura) is recommended for people with moderate or severe Alzheimer’s disease, and for people with moderate Alzheimer’s if cholinesterase inhibitors don’t help or are not suitable. Memantine also helps nerve cells in the brain communicate with each other. It does this by regulating a chemical called glutamate in the brain. In Alzheimer’s disease this can allow brain cells to work better for longer, and it can help to reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease for a while.

Like cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine is not a cure or does not slow down the progression of the disease. However, it can help with some symptoms. Some people taking memantine may not notice any effect at all. Others may find that their condition stays the same when they would have expected it to decline.

People may experience side-effects when taking memantine. The most common side-effects are headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, and constipation. These are usually short-term effects.

Cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine are normally given as tablets or capsules, but they are available in a liquid form too. Donepezil is also available as a tablet that dissolves on the tongue, and Rivastigmine is available in patches, where the drug is absorbed through the skin.

Your doctor will discuss the most suitable form for you. People with moderate or severe Alzheimer’s disease are sometimes offered combination therapy, where a cholinesterase inhibitor and memantine are given together.

There are non-drug treatments available to manage symtpoms of Alzheimer's disease. You can find out more in our booklet, treatments for dementia and discuss your options with your doctor or care provider.