Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is memantine extended-release or 'ER'. It may help slow down the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. For example, it may help people do daily tasks and think more clearly for a longer period of time.

You should take memantine ER exactly as your doctor tells you to. Your doctor may increase your dose slowly at first. This can help reduce side effects. You can take your dose with or without food.

Memantine ER is a special 'extended release' capsule. You should never crush, chew or cut the capsule. You should swallow the capsule whole with water. If needed, you can open the capsule and sprinkle the medicine onto a spoonful of applesauce. Then swallow the applesauce without chewing.  

Most people tolerate memantine ER well. Common side effects include a headache and diarrhea. You could also feel a little dizzy. You should wait until you know how this medicine affects you before you do activities that require you to be alert, like driving. These effects are normal if they are mild and should go away. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug interactions can occur. You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines.

For best results with memantine ER, be sure to read the Patient Information guide for more information.