If someone you care about is losing short-term memory, galantamine is a drug doctors often try for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. It works by blocking the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine and by gently enhancing certain brain receptors. That boosts the signals between nerve cells involved in memory and thinking.
Galantamine comes as immediate-release tablets, extended-release capsules, and an oral solution. A common start is 4 mg twice daily for immediate-release, rising slowly to reduce nausea. For extended-release, doctors usually start at 8 mg once daily and may increase up to 24 mg once daily depending on response and tolerance. Your doctor will pick a schedule that fits your other health issues and medications.
Expect side effects, especially at first. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and stomach cramps are the most common. Headache, dizziness, sleep problems, and weight loss can also occur. Less often, galantamine slows the heart rate, causes fainting, or may increase seizure risk in someone with epilepsy. Talk to your doctor if you feel faint, have fast or slow heartbeat, or notice severe stomach problems.
Interactions are important. Galantamine is broken down by CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 liver enzymes, so strong inhibitors or inducers of those enzymes can change drug levels. Combining galantamine with other cholinergic medicines increases side effects. Drugs that affect heart rhythm or lower heart rate need careful review. Always give your prescriber a full list of pills, supplements, and herbal products you use.
If you struggle with nausea, try taking galantamine with a meal, and drink small sips of water. Do not stop taking it suddenly without checking with your doctor — changes in memory or behavior can follow abrupt stopping. If you have severe liver or kidney problems, dose adjustments or alternative treatments may be necessary.
In most countries galantamine is prescription-only. Buy from a licensed pharmacy — one that requires a prescription and offers pharmacist contact. Online sellers can be legit, but avoid shops that sell prescription drugs without asking for a prescription, have poor contact info, or offer prices that seem unrealistically low.
What to expect. Galantamine does not cure Alzheimer's. For some people it brings small but noticeable improvements in memory, attention, or daily tasks for months to years. For others it may not help and side effects make it hard to continue. Regular follow-up with the care team helps find the right balance.
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Monitoring matters. Your doctor may check weight, heart rate, kidney and liver tests, and use simple memory scales to see if galantamine helps. Caregivers should watch for increased confusion, falls, fainting, or severe stomach issues. Pair medication with routine supports — daily schedules, memory notes, exercise, good sleep, and treating hearing loss or vitamin deficiencies that make thinking worse. Better.
