is there a proper way to go off namenda? - Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Message Board

bimbbo · 02-13-2009, 12:19 PM

I might try it but I wondered if I want off of it, can I do it and stop altogether or is it gradual and how does that work

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ibake&pray · 02-13-2009, 01:42 PM

Are you on it yourself? Or do you have someone on it?How long have you been on it? When they stopped giving it to both of my parents, they just stopped giving it to them. But they were pasted the early stages of dementia where it would have given them any benefit.

Please be aware that if you are taking it and are in the early stages of Alzheimers, you may see an increase in the deterioration of your mental capacities. It does help slow down the progression of the disease. That is what it is designed to do.

If I were you, I would consult your doctor before I would consider just stopping the medication cold turkey.

Gabriel · 02-13-2009, 08:21 PM

Welcome to the board bimbbo. My question is the same, is this for you or for a loved one? Either way you need to discuss the side effects before starting and before stopping the med. It would depend on the dosage, what side effect manifest themselves, the stage of the disease, and how long you had been taking it. That needs to be an informed decision in cooparation with the physician....

Love, deb

bimbbo · 02-14-2009, 02:44 PM

No, I am not on it. Wanted to try it for headaches, but may not if it's something you can't stop right away. Just wondered if anyone knew. I know I could ask a doctor, just haven't done that yet. Thanks.

Martha H · 02-14-2009, 02:50 PM

Namenda is an anti Alzheimer's Disease drug, which sometimes helps people to slow down the loss of memory and reasoning that come with this disease. It has no effect on headaches and has caused some people to become unusually angry and upset. There is no justification to use it for headaches. I think there is a headache board on HB where you might find some help for your problem. Good luck!

Martha