You may be able to find Medicare plan options in your area that cover Memantine (Namenda). Learn more about Memantine and find Medicare Advantage plans in your area that cover other prescription drugs.
Memantine
Chemical name: Memantine
Brand name: Namenda
Typical dosage: 10mg
Typical type: Tablet1
Memantine is a medication used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Memantine is available as a brand name or as a generic and comes as an oral tablet, oral liquid or oral capsule.
Memantine is a medication used to treat moderate to severe dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The brand name equivalent of Memantine is called Namenda.
Memantine is an inhibitor of a receptor in the brain called NMDA. Memantine prevents too much calcium from entering brain cells.
Memantine comes as an immediate release tablet and liquid and as an extended release capsule form. It is typically taken 1-2 times daily.
Common side effects of Memantine include dizziness, headache, constipation and diarrhea.
How much does Memantine cost with Medicare?
Memantine coverage and costs may vary based on the specific plan you have, as well as what coverage stage you're in.
Contact your plan carrier or consult your plan formulary for more cost information.
Does Medicare cover Memantine?
According to GoodRx, 100% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans covered Memantine in 2023.1
Medicare Advantage plans or Part D plans that cover Memantine include copay amounts that can range widely from one plan to another. Plan members may also be responsible for meeting a deductible before the plan’s drug coverage kicks in.
Medicare Advantage plans that offer prescription drug coverage are called Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MA-PD). 89% of 2023 Medicare Advantage plans included prescription drug coverage.2
Medicare prescription drugs plans each have their own formulary, or drug list, that details what prescription drugs are covered by the plan and how they are covered.
Drug coverage may vary based on plan availability. You may be able to find Medicare Advantage plan options in your area that cover Memantine. We represent carriers such as Humana, UnitedHealthcare®, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna Healthcare, Wellcare, or Kaiser Permanente.
Join our email series to receive your free Medicare guide and the latest information about Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
By clicking "Sign me up!” you are agreeing to receive emails from MedicareAdvantage.com.
Additional information
If you are using the extended-release capsules and cannot swallow them, the contents of the capsule can be sprinkled on applesauce. If you do this, swallow the mixture immediately without chewing it.
All types of Memantine can be taken with or without food. If you experience upset stomach, taking it with food may help.
Talk to your doctor if you have any confusion or worsening signs of dementia.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not healthcare advice, treatment, or diagnosis. It is not an endorsement of or recommendation for this medication. Speak to your doctor or healthcare provider about your specific healthcare needs, including your prescription medications. Only take medication as directed by your doctor.
Coverage and costs of prescription medications will vary by Medicare plan. Not all plans are available in all areas.
Written by Hayden Gharibyar, Pharm.D.
1 GoodRx. Memantine. Retrieved October 2023, from www.goodrx.com/Memantine/medicare-coverage.
Read our guide to Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans to discover the different plans, what they cover, how you can enroll and if an MAPD plan could benefit you. Read more
There are a number of prescription drug assistance programs that can help patients save on the rising cost of prescription drugs. Learn about eligibility. Read more
A formulary for Medicare is the list of drugs a given Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plan will cover. A Medicare plan formulary details information such as how drugs are covered, their relative costs, limitations and/or restrictions. Read more
This guide explains 2024 Medicare Open Enrollment and other Medicare enrollment periods. Don't miss this important time to review and change your Medicare coverage. Read more
This report details where Medicare beneficiaries have access to the widest range of quality 2024 Medicare Advantage plans at the most affordable prices. Read more
Learn More About Medicare
Join our email series to receive your Medicare guide and the latest information about Medicare.
By clicking "Sign me up!” you are agreeing to receive emails from MedicareAdvantage.com.
Thanks for signing up for our emails!
Your Medicare guide will arrive in your email inbox shortly. You can also look forward to informative email updates about Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
If you'd like to speak with an agent right away, we're standing by for that as well. Give us a call!
1-800-557-6059TTY 711, 24/7LICENSED AGENTS AVAILABLE NOW
You're on your way to finding a Medicare Supplement plan!
Compare your Medigap plan options by visiting MedicareSupplement.com