Alzheimer's disease is a chronic and potentially fatal disease in which the brain loses its ability to function. According to MedlinePlus, some symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include changes in personality, forgetting about current events, withdrawing from social contact and trouble reading or writing. Fortunately, drugs used for Alzheimer's disease exist.
Donepezil
Donepezil, commonly sold as Aricept, is a medication used for Alzheimer's disease. Drugs.com says that donepezil prevents acetylcholine, a type of brain chemical from being broken down. Sometimes, low levels of acetylcholine lead to Alzheimer's symptoms.
Donepezil's less concerning side effects include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, muscle cramps and trouble sleeping. In some instances, donepezil can lead to fatigue and a loss of appetite. Notify a physician when donepezil's less serious effects remain for more than seven days.
Donepezil's serious side effects include seizures, painful or difficult urination, coughing up blood and black or bloody stools. Talk to a physician immediately when donepezil's serious side effects develop.
A change in donepezil's dose may prove necessary when suffering from such diseases as stomach ulcers, epilepsy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and seizures.
Donepezil is a tablet taken daily.
Memantine
Memantine, commonly sold as Namenda, also treats Alzheimer's disease. MedlinePlus indicates that it belongs to the class of drugs called NMDA receptor antagonists. Specifically, it reduces activity in the brain.
Memantine's less serious side effects include vomiting, constipation, a headache, sleepiness and coughing. In some instances, this medication leads to back pain, confusion and fatigue. Tell a doctor when memantine's less concerning side effects remain for more than a week.
Memantine's serious side effects include shortness of breath and hallucinations. Phone a doctor immediately when memantine causes these effects.
Taking such medications as cimetidine, amantadine, citric acid and potassium citrate may require a change in memantine's dose.
Memantine is a tablet taken one to two times a day.
Galantamine
Galantamine, commonly sold as Reminyl or Razadyne, is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that prevents the chemical acetylcholine from being broken down. Specifically, this medication treats mild to moderate Alzheimer's dementia.
Galantamine's less serious side effects include weight loss, a poor appetite, vomiting, nausea, a headache and fatigue. Notify a physician when galantamine's less serious effects last for greater than a week.
Galantamine's serious side effects include black or bloody stools, confusion, decreased sweating, coughing up blood and vomit. In some instances, this drug also causes hot dry skin or decreased urination. Inform a doctor when galantamine causes these effects.
A decrease in galantamine's dose may become necessary when suffering with such diseases as heart disease, seizures, kidney or liver disease and asthma.
Galantamine is a tablet taken twice daily or as prescribed.
