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Namzaric (memantine and donepezil)

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By Editorial Team

2 min read

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: January 2024 | Last updated: February 2024

Several kinds of drugs are approved to treat the cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Namzaric® (memantine and donepezil) is a prescription drug used to treat moderate to severe dementia in people with Alzheimer's.1,2

While Namzaric helps treat symptoms related to memory and thinking, it does not treat the underlying disease or stop the progression of the disease.1,2

Namzaric is a combination of 2 types of drugs, a cholinesterase inhibitor and a glutamate regulator.1,2

What are the ingredients in Namzaric?

The active ingredients in Namzaric are memantine hydrochloride and donepezil hydrochloride.1

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How does Namzaric work?

The active ingredients in Namzaric work in different ways to help improve Alzheimer's symptoms:1

  • Memantine works by blocking a chemical messenger called glutamate. Nerve cells damaged by Alzheimer's make too much glutamate. Over time, excess glutamate causes more damage to nerve cells. By blocking glutamate, memantine protects nerve cells from more damage.
  • Donepezil works by slowing down the breakdown of a chemical messenger called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine sends messages between nerve cells and the brain. By maintaining higher levels of acetylcholine, donepezil improves communication between nerve cells in the brain.

What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effects of Namzaric include:1

  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Bruising

These are not all the possible side effects of Namzaric. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking Namzaric. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking Namzaric.

Other things to know

Before starting treatment with Namzaric, tell your doctor if you have:1

  • Heart problems, including an irregular, slow, or fast heartbeat
  • Asthma or lung problems
  • Seizures
  • Stomach ulcers
  • Bladder or kidney problems
  • Liver problems
  • Surgical, dental, or other medical procedures scheduled where anesthesia may be used

There is not enough data to know if Namzaric is safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. Before starting treatment with Namzaric, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. They can help you decide if Namzaric is right for you.1

Before beginning treatment for Alzheimer's disease, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.

For more information, read the full prescribing information of Namzaric.

Treatment results and side effects can vary from person to person. This treatment information is not meant to replace professional medical advice. Talk to your doctor about what to expect before starting and while taking any treatment.