Drug interactions
Ketamine + Memantine
Severity: Major
Ketamine and Memantine: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Both drugs are NMDA receptor antagonists, so combined use may increase adverse CNS effects such as dissociation, confusion, hallucinations and agitation. The combination has limited study.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ketamine and Memantine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Ketamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Memantine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive NMDA receptor antagonism.
What to do
Avoid if possible; if ketamine is needed, consider holding memantine and use the lowest ketamine dose with close monitoring of mental status.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Memantine
- Acetazolamide + Memantine Moderate
- Aluminum hydroxide + Memantine Moderate
- Amantadine + Memantine Moderate
- Dextromethorphan + Memantine Moderate
- Dofetilide + Memantine Moderate
- Memantine + Procainamide Moderate
Other interactions of Ketamine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ketamine with Memantine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ketamine and Memantine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both drugs are NMDA receptor antagonists, so combined use may increase adverse CNS effects such as dissociation, confusion, hallucinations and agitation. The combination has limited study.
How serious is the interaction between Ketamine and Memantine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid if possible; if ketamine is needed, consider holding memantine and use the lowest ketamine dose with close monitoring of mental status.
What other medicines interact with Memantine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Memantine with, for example, Acetazolamide, Aluminum hydroxide, Amantadine. The full list is on the Memantine page.
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