NMDA Receptor Antagonists
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Overview
Medications that block N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain, which are involved in glutamate neurotransmission. In Alzheimer disease, excess glutamate signaling contributes to neuronal damage; NMDA antagonists help regulate this activity to protect neurons and improve cognitive function.
How do nmda receptor antagonists work?
Block excessive glutamate signaling at N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which is thought to contribute to neuronal damage in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer disease.
Drugs in this class
- Memantine (Namenda, Namenda XR)