REMINYL (galantamine) prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine and stimulates nicotinic receptors to release more acetylcholine in the brain. REMINYL is available in 4-mg, 8-mg and 12-mg tablets and oral solution (4 mg/mL). REMINYL should be taken twice a day, preferably with the morning and evening meal. Patients and caregivers should be advised to ensure adequate fluid intake during treatment. It is recommended that treatment start with 4 mg (white tablets) twice a day for at least 4 weeks and then continue with 8 mg (pink tablets) twice a day for at least 4 weeks.
After 4 weeks of treatment with 8 mg twice a day, your doctor will evaluate the effects of REMINYL and decide if treatment should continue with 8 mg twice a day or be increased to 12 mg (orange-brown tablets) twice a day.
REMINYL is a treatment for patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) and may be prescribed as soon as the diagnosis is made. In fact, the earlier treatment is started, the better the effect may be. Medical studies have indicated that early treatment can result in ongoing effects on cognition (memory, thinking) and other aspects of daily life.
Your healthcare professional will be able to tell you whether it is safe to take REMINYL with other medications. Be sure to tell your physician about all medications you or your loved one are currently taking.
For persons with severe liver or severe kidney disease, the use of REMINYL is not recommended.
Side Effects:
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss
Drug Interactions:
Some antidepressants such as paroxetine, amitriptyline, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, and other drugs with anticholinergic action may cause retention of excess Reminyl in the body, leading to complications. NSAIDs should be used with caution in combination with this medication.*
* Use of cholinesterase inhibitors can increase risk of stomach ulcers, and because prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin or ibuprofen can also cause stomach ulcers, NSAIDS should be used with caution in combination with these medications.
Medications Used to Treat Dementia
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