Galantamine

Galantamine is a prescription medication classified as a cholinesterase inhibitor. It is typically used for the treatment of mild to moderately severe Alzheimer’s dementia. The active compound in Galantamine stimulates the brain’s production and release of acetylcholine, an essential neurotransmitter for cognition and memory.
As neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s, progressively result in the loss of cholinergic neurons, the decline in the neurotransmitter’s level affects cognitive functions such as learning, memory, and judgment. Galantamine prevents acetylcholine’s breakdown, thereby enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission in the brain.
Galantamine is available in immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER) forms. The immediate-release tablet is usually taken twice a day, while the extended-release tablet needs to be taken once a day in the morning. The medication must be taken exactly as prescribed and cannot be crushed or chewed if it is an extended-release form.
The most common side effects of Galantamine may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, insomnia, and dizziness. Due to its potential to affect certain heart rhythms, a healthcare provider should monitor a patient’s heart rate and rhythm. To ensure the safe and effective use of the medication, patients should inform their doctor about any pre-existing health issues or if they are taking other prescription or over-the-counter drugs before starting Galantamine. The medication should not be taken with a muscle relaxant called dantrolene.
It’s essential to note that although Galantamine may temporarily relieve symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, it does not slow down the disease itself or cure it. The effectiveness and tolerability of the drug differ among individuals, and only your healthcare provider can determine if this treatment is right for you.