Summer BanksGalantamine and working
December 1st 2006 11:41
Galantamine and working :
Galantamine is used to treat Alzheimer's disease. This medication works by preventing the breakdown of a certain chemical in the brain, called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is important in maintaining thinking and other cognitive abilities. In patients with Alzheimer's disease, there is less acetylcholine present in the brain than normal. Galantamine helps to increase the amount of this chemical in the brain. Galantamine will not cure Alzheimer's, but it may slow its progression, especially when used in the early stages of the disease.
Treatment :
Take galantamine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is best to take galantamine at regular intervals, with meals if possible. Usually, galantamine is started at a low dose and gradually increased over several weeks. If for any reason this medication is stopped for more than several days, it may be necessary to start at a low dose again and gradually increase it; check with your doctor.
If you miss a dose of galantamine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose.
Side Effects :
Minor: Diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, tremor, vomiting, or weight loss. These side effects should diminish or disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising.
Major: Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, difficulty urinating, fainting, seizures, slow or irregular heartbeat, or very low blood pressure.
Interactions :
Galantamine may interact with a number of other medications:
Use of galantamine with bethanechol may increase the side effects of both medications.
Cimetidine, erythromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, or paroxetine may increase the amount of galantamine in the body and increase its effects and toxicities.
Warnings
Tell your doctor about any unusual reactions you have had to any medication, especially galantamine or other medications used for Alzheimer's disease.
Tell your doctor if you now have or have ever had asthma, heart disease or problems with too slow a heart rate, low blood pressure, seizures or epilepsy, stomach ulcers, or urinary problems.
If you are having surgery or undergoing any type of dental procedure, be sure to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking galantamine.
While taking this medication, your ability to perform tasks that require alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery, may be impaired.
Galantamine is used to treat Alzheimer's disease. This medication works by preventing the breakdown of a certain chemical in the brain, called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is important in maintaining thinking and other cognitive abilities. In patients with Alzheimer's disease, there is less acetylcholine present in the brain than normal. Galantamine helps to increase the amount of this chemical in the brain. Galantamine will not cure Alzheimer's, but it may slow its progression, especially when used in the early stages of the disease.
Treatment :
Take galantamine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is best to take galantamine at regular intervals, with meals if possible. Usually, galantamine is started at a low dose and gradually increased over several weeks. If for any reason this medication is stopped for more than several days, it may be necessary to start at a low dose again and gradually increase it; check with your doctor.
If you miss a dose of galantamine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose.
Side Effects :
Minor: Diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, tremor, vomiting, or weight loss. These side effects should diminish or disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising.
Major: Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, difficulty urinating, fainting, seizures, slow or irregular heartbeat, or very low blood pressure.
Interactions :
Galantamine may interact with a number of other medications:
Use of galantamine with bethanechol may increase the side effects of both medications.
Cimetidine, erythromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, or paroxetine may increase the amount of galantamine in the body and increase its effects and toxicities.
Warnings
Tell your doctor about any unusual reactions you have had to any medication, especially galantamine or other medications used for Alzheimer's disease.
Tell your doctor if you now have or have ever had asthma, heart disease or problems with too slow a heart rate, low blood pressure, seizures or epilepsy, stomach ulcers, or urinary problems.
If you are having surgery or undergoing any type of dental procedure, be sure to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking galantamine.
While taking this medication, your ability to perform tasks that require alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery, may be impaired.
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