Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Riva Memantine.
Eyes: Memantine may build up in the tear fluid and contribute to changes in the eyes and possible changes in vision. People taking memantine should have regular check-ups from their eye doctor. If you notice any changes to your vision, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Heart disease: Memantine may cause increased blood pressure, slowed heartbeat and occasionally, heart failure. If you have heart problems, discuss with your doctor how Riva Memantine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Riva Memantine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney function: The kidneys remove mematadine from the body. When the kidneys aren't working properly, the medication can build up in the body and cause side effects. Memantine is not recommended for people with severe Kidney Disease.
If you have reduced kidney function or moderate kidney disease you may need a lower dose of memantine. Discuss with your doctor how Riva Memantine may affect your medical condition and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: The safety of memantine when given to someone with severely reduced liver function has not been studied and is not recommended. If you have reduced liver function or liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Riva Memantine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Riva Memantine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Reduced elimination from the body: The elimination of memantine from the body can be reduced in certain situations. These include changing from a normal diet to a strict vegetarian diet, taking certain medications (e.g., sodium bicarbonate, Acetazolamide), having a kidney condition called renal tubular acidosis, or having a urinary tract infection. Your doctor will monitor your condition closely in these situations.
Seizures: Memantine has not been studied for use by people who have seizure disorders (such as Epilepsy). If you have a history of seizure disorder, discuss with your doctor how Riva Memantine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Riva Memantine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: Riva Memantine should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if memantine passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Riva Memantine, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Riva Memantine have not been established for children.
Seniors: There is limited information about the safety of memantine for people over the age of 85.
