Galantamine Side Effects

Galantamine Side Effects

Galantamine is a drug used to treat Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. It is prescribed for people who have a mild or moderate dementia (memory loss and mental changes) which is associated with Alzheimer’s disease. It is an oral medication. Galantamine is a natural substance found in flowers such as the snowdrop, the daffodil and the spider lily. It belongs to a class of drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors that also include tacrine (cognex), donezepil (Aricept), and rivastigmine (Exelon).

Uses:

Galantamine is used to treat mild or moderate dementia related to Alzheimer’s disease.  It does not cure the Alzheimer’s disease, but it can absolutely improve memory, awareness and the ability to do daily work. Galantamine works by restoring the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain.

Mechanism of Action:

Galantamine is not exactly the cure, but it can absolutely slow down the progression of the symptoms in some people. The supplement increases the level of a natural chemical called acetylcholine, which allows nerve cells in the brain to communicate with each other. People with dementia have low levels of acetylcholine in their brain. The symptoms of dementia can be treated or improved by increasing the levels of acetylcholine.

Galantamine Side Effects:

Galantamine users may face some side effects and for this reason, it is important for you to consult your doctor, if you see any of these side effects:

(i) Chest pain or discomfort

(ii) dizziness, fainting or lightheadedness

(iii) Shakiness in the hind and fore limbs

(iv) shortness of breath

(v) slow or irregular heartbeat

None of the side effects that can occur with galantamine medicine may not be fatal and not need any medical attention. As the body adjusts to the medicine during the treatment, these side effects may go away.

Galantamine Side Effects occur when you have some problems with the dosages, as in if the dosage is increased to too high a level. It is the euphoric effect after taking the medicine, that will let you in on this effect within about fifteen minutes post ingestion.

People do experience this effect one the regular, and it is quite common in people to feel a subtle increase in euphoria, rather than a potent, ampakine like boost. Hence, proper dosage of Galantamine should be maintained to prevent these side effects.

Taking Galantamine regularly, with right food and ensuring adequate fluid intake may reduce the impact of such side effects.

Dosage:

Galantamine medicine is available in the following dosage forms:

(i)Tablet  (ii) Capsule, Extended Release (iii) Solution

Galantamine tablets should be taken twice (daily), with the morning and evening meals. Galantamine therapy always starts with the lowest dose, 4 mg twice (daily) for several weeks, and then continued at 8 to 12 mg twice (daily). The recommended dose, when using extended release capsules, is 8 to 24 mg once (daily) in the morning.

Conclusion of Galantamine:

Most aging adults face impaired mental function and the loss of cognitive powers. Research supports the role of Galantamine medicine in slowing brain aging and preserving the cognitive functions. Research also indicates that utmost protective benefits are also observed when treatment begins before signs of irreparable decline in mental abilities.