Memantine is an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, also know by the brand names Axura, Ebixa, Marixino, Namenda, Namenda 49 Titration Pack, and Namzaric, which is used to treat and manage moderate to severe dementia. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter in the brain that leads to neuronal excitabiity and excessive stimulation in Alzheimer's Disease, so the inhibition of it helps with Alzheimer's Disease. Memantine has also shown minimal activity for GABA, benzodiazepine, dopamine, adrenergic, histamine, and glycine receptors. It has also shwon minimal activity on voltage-dependent Ca2+, Na+, or K+ channels. Memantine inhibits the influx of calcium caused by chronic NMDA receptor activation by glutamate. The Memantine binds to NMDA receptors, which prevents glutamate from activating the receptor which further prevents the influx of calcium. This leads to an improvement of Alzheimer's dementia symptoms, such as increased cognition. At lower concentrations, often used in clinical settings, it can also enhance neuronal synaptic plasticity in the brain, improve memory, and act as a neuroprotectant against the destruction of neurons. Despite the antagonistic effects against NMDA receptors, Memantine has not been proven to prevent or retard the neurodegeneration seen in patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. It only treats symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Memantine Pathway References