Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia characterized by memory, judgment and decision-making problems. Emotional problems, trouble swallowing, the inability to recognize family members or understand speech and incontinence are other Alzheimer's disease manifestations. Alzheimer's drug treatments can help sufferers manage symptoms.
Donepezil
MedlinePlus says that donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor that works to improve memory, social functioning, language and thinking. Donepezil slows the progression of Alzheimer's.
Donepezil's side effects include diarrhea, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, confusion, behavioral changes and a headache. Drowsiness, a poor appetite, dizziness, fatigue, pain, frequent urination, depression and trouble sleeping are donepezil's other side effects. Serious effects include fever, seizures, a slow heartbeat, chest pain, red or black stools, bloody vomit and low back pain.
Donepezil is taken as a dissolving or regular tablet once a day during the evening.
Rivastigmine
Like donepezil, rivastigmine is another cholinesterase inhibitor medication used to manage Alzheimer's disease. According to the National Library of Medicine, this medication is used to treat mild to moderate dementia in people suffering with Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease.
Rivastigmine's common effects include nausea, vomiting, anorexia, indigestion and weakness. Stomach pains, flatulence (gas), belching, anxiety, hallucinations, drowsiness and fatigue are its other side effects.
Drugs.com says that rivastigmine may cause intestinal or stomach bleeding when combined with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Combining rivastigmine with cholinergic drugs such as bethanechol, or cholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil, can result in potentiating rivastigmine's side effects. Rivastigmine may decrease the effectiveness of anticholinergic medications such as scopolamine.
The National Library of Medicine says that 3 to 6mg of rivastigmine are typically taken twice a day.
Memantine
Like rivastigmine and donepezil, memantine is another effective Alzheimer's drug treatment. Specifically, it is a N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor antagonist that works to reduce abnormal brain activity, says MedlinePlus.
Memantine's side effects include vomiting, drowsiness, constipation, a headache, confusion and fatigue. Confusion, coughing, pain, hallucinations and shortness of breath are memantine's additional side effects.
Memantine is a tablet taken one to two times daily.
