exelon » Pharmacy Advocates, LLC

Which medication to take for Alzheimer’s?

Apr 132012

There are currently about 4 commonly prescribed medications for Alzheimer’s disease. Three fall into the class known as “Cholinesterase inhibitors,” which work to increase the chemical acetylcholine in the brain, which is involved with learning and memory. The fourth medication, Namenda (generic name: memantine), works to reduce glutamate activity in the brain, a chemical that seems to be involved in damaging the brain.

The cholinesterase inhibitors are most commonly used as a first-line therapy. There are three available: Aricept (donepezil), Exelon (rivastigmine), and Razadyne (galantamine). A very important point is that if you have intolerable side effects to one of these medications, you can still try another one and you might do better. Similarly, if you or your loved one does not have a good response to one of these, ask your healthcare provider about trying a different one.

Namenda (memantine) is FDA-approved for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s, although some healthcare providers will also use it in earlier stages. Namenda can be used in combination with one of the above cholinesterase inhibitors, since it works in a different way.

This was a very quick review of commonly prescribed medications for Alzheimer’s. Please let us know if you have specific questions about any of the agents mentioned!

Aricept, Exelon, Razadyne: What to Expect

Alzheimer's disease 4 Responses »

Jan 262011

The drugs Aricept (generic name: donepezil), Exelon (rivastigmine), and Razadyne (galantamine) are commonly taken for Alzheimer’s disease, and other types of dementia. It is important for people taking these medications, as well as their family members/friends/loved ones/caregivers, to know what to expect.

The first thing to know about this group of medications, called “cholinesterase inhibitors,” is that they unfortunately are not a cure for dementia. They do not stop dementia in its tracks. They can, however, slow down the progression of the disease. Some people may even notice an improvement in their memory or function. The key here is to remember that these medications help preserve cognition, or thinking. They don’t undo the underlying disease.

Some people do respond remarkably well to these medications. The use of Aricept, Exelon, or Razadyne can improve function and thinking, allow for more independence, and reduce caregiver stress and time. This can be huge for quality of life!

Unfortunately, not everyone has this robust response. Many people do not notice a drastic change when they take these medications. The rule of thumb is to try one of these medications; if it doesn’t work after a good trial, then a different one can be tried. Aricept, Exelon, and Razadyne are all a bit different, so some people respond better to one than another. That said, some people will not get a noticeable benefit from any of these medications. If that is the case, the medications can be stopped. That is a conversation the patient should have with their family and doctor to decide what is the best strategy.

If you have questions about medications for Alzheimer’s or dementia, let us know!