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Alzheimer's Disease Medications

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Alzheimer's Disease Medications

Alzheimer's disease currently has no cure, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved five prescription medications to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's.

  1. Medication Classes

    • Donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine and memanatine belong to a class of medication called cholinesterase inhibitors that delay worsening Alzheimer's symptoms by regulating a brain chemical called acetylcholine that plays a role in language, judgment, memory, thinking and other thought processes.

      Memanatine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that delays worsening symptoms by regulating a brain chemical called glutamate that plays a role in retrieval, information processing and storage.

    Donepezil

    • Donepezil is prescribed for all stages of Alzheimer's disease. The brand name is Aricept and common side effects include nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea and insomnia. Donepezil should be taken before bed.

    Galantamine

    • Galantamine is prescribed for mild to moderate stages of Alzheimer's disease. The brand name is Razadyne and common side effects are diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. This medication can be administered with food to decrease stomach upset.

    Rivastigmine

    • Rivastigmine is used to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. The brand name is Exelon and common side effects include dizziness,headache, loss of appetite, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. The medication can be taken with food to decrease stomach upset.

    Tacrine

    • Tacrine is rarely prescribed to treat Alzheimer's disease due to serious side effects. The brand name is Cognex and it is used to treat mild to moderate stages of Alzheimer's disease. Side effects of tacrine include nausea, vomiting and possible liver damage.

    Memanatine

    • Memanatine is used to treat moderate to severe stages of Alzheimer's disease. The brand name Namenda and common side effects are headache, constipation, confusion and dizziness.

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