Dementia refers to a medical condition in which people lose their intellectual and social capabilities. The Mayo Clinic says that signs of dementia include memory loss, problems reasoning, difficulty communicating and agitation. In some instances, dementia leads to hallucinations and personality changes.
Donepezil
Donepezil, commonly sold as Aricept, is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that prevents acetylcholine from being broken down. Drugs.com says that dementia sufferers actually have decreased amounts of acetylcholine, a brain necessary for thinking, memory and reason. Some of donepezil's less serious side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, trouble sleeping, muscle cramps and fatigue. In some instances, donepezil can lead to a poor appetite. Some of donepezil's serious side effects include painful or difficult urination, coughing up of blood, seizures and black or bloody stools. Notify a doctor if donepezil leads to these side effects. Donepezil is a tablet taken daily or as indicated.
Rivastigmine
Rivastigmine, commonly sold as Exelon, is a medication that treats the dementia of Alzheimer's disease. It, too, is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that prevents acetylcholine from being broken down. Drugs.com says that rivastigmine's common side effects include nausea, vomiting, weight loss, indigestion and diarrhea. In some instances, this medication leads to vomiting. Some of rivastigmine's serious but rare side effects include convulsions, aggression, difficulty urinating and shaking or trembling of the hands or fingers. Notify a doctor if rivastigmine leads to these effects. This drug is a tablet taken two times daily.
Memantine
Memantine, commonly sold as Namenda, is an NMDA receptor antagonist that reduces activity in the brain so that dementia symptoms decrease. It also treats the dementia in Alzheimer's disease sufferers. MedlinePlus indicates that memantine's less serious side effects include a headache, sleepiness, confusion, dizziness, coughing and vomiting. In some instances, this drug also leads to constipation and back pain or body pain. Memantine's serious side effects include hallucinations and shortness of breath. Call a doctor if memantine leads to these effects. Memantine is a tablet taken one or two times daily.
