DRUG NAME

DRUG TYPE AND TREATMENT

MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDED DOSAGE

Namenda® (memantine)
Blocks the toxic effects associated with excess glutamate and regulates glutamate activation.

N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist prescribed to treat symptoms of moderate to severe AD

• 5 mg, once a day, available in tablet form
• Increase to 10 mg/day (5 mg twice a day), 15 mg/day (5 mg and 10 mg as separate doses), and 20 mg/day (10 mg twice a day) at minimum of one week intervals if well tolerated.

Razadyne® (formerly known as Reminyl®) (galantamine)
Prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine and stimulates nicotinic receptors to release more acetylcholine in the brain.

Cholinesterase inhibitor prescribed to treat symptoms of mild to moderate AD

• 4mg, twice a day (8mg/day, available in tablet or capsule form
• Increase by 8mg/day after 4 weeks to 8mg, twice a day (16mg/day)if well tolerated.
• After another 4 weeks, increase to 12mg, twice a day (24mg/day) if well tolerated.

Exelon® (rivastigmine)
Prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine and butyrylcholine (a brain chemical similar to acetylcholine) in the brain.

Cholinesterase inhibitor prescribed to treat symptoms of mild to moderate AD

• 1.5mg, twice a day (3mg/day, available in capsule and liquid form
• Increase by 3mg/day every 2 weeks to 6mg, twice a day (12mg/day) if well tolerated.

Aricept® (donepezil)
Prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain.

Cholinesterase inhibitor prescribed to treat symptoms of mild to moderate AD

• 5mg, once a day, available in tablet form
• Increase after 4-6 weeks to 10mg, once a day if well tolerated.

Cognex® (tacrine)
Prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain.
Note: Cognex is still available but no longer actively marketed by the manufacturer.

Cholinesterase inhibitor prescribed to treat symptoms of mild to moderate AD

• 10mg, four times a day (40mg/day), in capsule form
• Increase by 40mg/day every 4 weeks to 40mg, four times a day (160mg/day), if liver enzyme functions remain normal and if well tolerated.

DRUG NAME

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

POSSIBLE DRUG INTERACTIONS

Namenda® (memantine)
Blocks the toxic effects associated with excess glutamate and regulates glutamate activation.

Dizziness, headache, constipation, confusion

Other NMDA antagonist medications, including amantadine, an antiviral used to treat the flu, dextromethorphan, prescribed to relieve coughs due to colds or flu, and ketamine, sometimes used as an anesthetic, have not been systematically evaluated and should be used with caution in combination with this medication.

Razadyne® (formerly known as Reminyl®) (galantamine)
Prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine and stimulates nicotinic receptors to release more acetylcholine in the brain.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss

Some antidepressants such as paroxetine, amitriptyline, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, and other drugs with anticholinergic action may cause retention of excess Razadyne® (formerly known as Reminyl®) in the body, leading to complications; NSAIDs should be used with caution in combination with this medication.*

Exelon® (rivastigmine)
Prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine and butyrylcholine (a brain chemical similar to acetylcholine) in the brain.

Nausea, vomiting, weight loss, upset stomach, muscle weakness

None observed in laboratory studies; NSAIDs should be used with caution in combination with this medication.*

Aricept® (donepezil)
Prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain. 

Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting

None observed in laboratory studies; NSAIDs should be used with caution in combination with this medication.*

Cognex® (tacrine)
Prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain.
Note: Cognex is still available but no longer actively marketed by the manufacturer.

Nausea, diarrhea, possible liver damage

NSAIDs should be used with caution in combination with this medication.*