Examples
| donepezil |
Aricept |
| galantamine |
Razadyne |
| rivastigmine |
Exelon |
How It Works
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter (a brain chemical) that helps with memory and thinking. Alzheimer's disease breaks down acetylcholine. And people who have Alzheimer's disease make less of this chemical over time. These two things result in the gradual loss of memory and thinking skills.
Medicines called cholinesterase inhibitors help stop acetylcholine from breaking down. They can help brain cells work better. But they don't stop or reverse the destruction of brain cells and loss of acetylcholine that occur in Alzheimer's disease. They don't prevent the disease from getting worse, but they may slow it down.
These medicines don't make acetylcholine, though. So over time they may stop working.
Why It Is Used
Cholinesterase inhibitors may be
used to treat some symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. They also may be used in
other types of
dementia, such as
dementia with Lewy bodies
and
multi-infarct dementia
.
Experts agree that reducing problems with memory loss may help people
with Alzheimer's disease live better. In some cases, reducing these problems
may help people live more independently for a longer period of time.
How Well It Works
Cholinesterase inhibitors may
produce small improvements in memory and general ability to function. For example, the person may be able to remember friends'
names better and be able to dress himself or herself with less
difficulty.
The various cholinesterase
inhibitors have similar effects on memory and cognitive function. So the decision about what medicine to use may be based on side effects, dosing schedules and ease of
use, individual response to a particular medicine, or other factors.
Cholinesterase inhibitors do not
work for everyone who has Alzheimer's disease, but they are helpful for some
people. They may be a reasonable option for those who understand the risks and
costs and feel the possible benefits are worth it. As the disease progresses, the
medicine eventually may stop working.
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor if you have:
Common side effects of this medicine include:
- Nausea.
- Diarrhea.
- Vomiting.
- Indigestion.
- Loss of appetite and weight loss.
See Drug
Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in
all systems.)
What To Think About
Rivastigmine (Exelon) can be given through a skin patch. Skin
patches release medicine into the blood at a steady level and may reduce side
effects. And when a person uses a skin patch, it's easier for caregivers to be sure the person is getting his or her
medicine properly.
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Checkups
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Complete the
new medication information form (PDF)
(What is a
PDF
document?)
to help you understand this medication.
Credits
|
By
| Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
| Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
| Myron F. Weiner, MD - Psychiatry, Neurology |
|
Last Revised
| October 29, 2012 |
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