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Galantamine |
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What is Galantamine and why is it prescribed? Galantamine can delay or even reverse mental decline in some patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. It is thought to work by boosting levels of the chemical messenger acetylcholine in the brain. Galantamine is a temporary remedy. It doesn't work for everyone, and it doesn't halt the underlying disease. Galantamine therapy starts at a low dose and increases over several months. It is important to wait 4 weeks between dosage adjustments. If treatment with Galantamine is interrupted for several days or longer, the patient will need to start over again at the lowest dose, increasing the dose at 4-week intervals until the former dose is achieved. How should you take Galantamine? Follow your doctors directions for taking Galantamine. Galantamine should be taken twice a day, preferably with the morning and evening meals. The drug is available in tablet form and as an oral solution. If you are using the solution, draw the required amount into the measuring pipette that comes with the bottle, then empty the pipette into 3 to 4 ounces of a non-alcoholic beverage. Stir well and administer immediately. If you miss a dose give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give two doses at once. Both the tablets and the oral solution may be stored at room temperature. Do not freeze the solution. Are there any Galantamine side effects? Galantamine side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Galantamine side effects may include abdominal pain, anemia, blood in urine, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, inability to sleep, indigestion, loss of appetite, nausea, runny nose, sleepiness, tremor, abdominal pain, urinary tract infection, vomiting, and weight loss. Less common Galantamine side effects may include chest pain, dizziness, fainting, gas, incontinence, and slow heartbeat. Rare Galantamine side effects may include apathy, black stools, convulsions, delirium, difficulty swallowing, drooling, dry mouth, frequent urination, heart failure, hiccup, inability to comprehend language, increased sex drive, kidney stones, low blood pressure, movement and muscle disorders, nighttime urination, nosebleed, paranoia, purple or red discoloration of the skin, rapid or irregular heartbeat, rectal bleeding, stomach upset, swelling, tingling or prickly sensation, urinary retention, vertigo, and weakness. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Galantamine? If Galantamine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Galantamine with Certain Parkinson's drugs (such as Artane and Cogentin), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Erythromycin (E.E.S., Eryc, PCE), Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Meclizine (Antivert), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Motrin and Voltaren), Paroxetine (Paxil), or Urinary tract medications (such as Urispas and Urecholine). Are there any special warnings about Galantamine? Use Galantamine with caution if the patient has severe asthma, obstructive lung disease, or a history of stomach ulcers. Galantamine can slow the heart rate and cause fainting episodes. Be especially cautious if the patient has a heart irregularity. Before surgery, make sure the doctor knows about the use of Galantamine. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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