The clinical use of memantine

This review outlines the use of memantine in clinical practice and represents the output of a consensus group who met to consider the use of the drug. The main conclusions were: memantine, a glutamatergic agent, has a different mode of action to the other available agents, for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, the anticholinesterases; is indicated for the treatment of moderately severe to severe Alzheimer's disease; shows efficacy over placebo in improving cognitive function, activities of daily living and global assessments; is well tolerated with a favourable side effect profile (the main side effects are hallucinations, confusion, dizziness, headache and tiredness) and; can be combined with good efficacy and safety with donepezil. Memantine looks likely to prove a valuable new tool in clinical practice