A small pill can help slow some memory loss in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. That pill is galantamine. It won’t cure the disease, but it can improve thinking and daily function for many people — if used carefully.
Galantamine boosts a brain chemical called acetylcholine that helps with memory and thinking. Doctors usually prescribe it for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. People often notice small improvements in memory, attention, or daily tasks. Results vary: some feel clearer for months, others see little change. Starting treatment early usually gives the best chance of benefit.
Galantamine comes as immediate‑release tablets, extended‑release tablets, and an oral solution. Your doctor will pick the right form based on how you tolerate it and any other health issues you have.
Common side effects are mainly digestive: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Start low and increase slowly to reduce these. Typical dosing: immediate release usually begins at 4 mg twice daily and can go up to 8–12 mg twice daily (total 16–24 mg/day). Extended‑release often starts at 8 mg once daily and can move to 16–24 mg once daily. Follow your doctor’s schedule — don’t change dose on your own.
Take galantamine with food to lower stomach upset. Watch for dizziness, slow heartbeat, fainting, or breathing problems. If these occur, contact your healthcare provider. People with heart rhythm problems, severe lung disease (like asthma or COPD), active stomach ulcers, or a history of seizures need extra caution.
Drug interactions matter. Some antidepressants and antifungals can raise galantamine levels by affecting liver enzymes (CYP2D6, CYP3A4). Anticholinergic drugs (used for bladder or stomach issues) can cancel out galantamine’s benefits. Always give your provider a full list of medicines and supplements.
Caregivers: keep a daily log of behavior, eating, bathroom changes, and any fainting or falls. That record helps clinicians decide if the drug is helping or causing problems.
If you’re thinking about stopping galantamine, ask the doctor. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal-like symptoms or a quick drop in function for some people. A gradual reduction is usually safer.
Alternatives include donepezil, rivastigmine, and memantine, or sometimes a combination. Clinical trials over the last few years show modest improvements when treatments are started early and paired with good care: sleep, exercise, social activity, and managing other health problems.
Final tip: galantamine is a tool, not a fix. Talk openly with your doctor about goals, side effects, and when to reassess treatment. That keeps care realistic and focused on quality of life.
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