Galantamine is used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and dementia in Parkinson's disease.

Memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease is due to disturbance of message signals in the brain. Galantamine works by increasing the levels of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger involved in the transmission of nerve signals.

Nausea, Headache, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Fatigue, Dizziness, Decreased appetite, Weight loss

• Consult your doctor if you have any heart disorder, electrolyte disturbances, peptic (stomach) ulcer disease, acute abdominal pain, a disorder of the nervous system (like fits or Parkinson’s disease), asthma, pneumonia, difficulties passing urine, or if you had an operation on the gut or bladder.
• Do not drive or operate machinery as galantamine may cause drowsiness.
• Do not consume alcohol while taking galantamine as it may worsen the side effects.
• Galantamine should be used with caution in elderly as they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are or planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Ques. Q. Is Galantamine safe?
Galantamine is a safe and effective drug if used according to the prescribed dosage for the treatment of mild to moderate dementia in Alzheimer's disease

Ques. Q. Is Galantamine a psychotropic drug?
Galantamine is a psychotropic drug used in the treatment of dementia associated with alzheimer's disease

Ques. Q. Is Galantamine the same as Aricept?
Galantamine and Aricept (donepezil) are not the same. They however belong to the same class of drugs called ‘cholinesterase inhibitors' used in the treatment of dementia associated with alzheimer's disease.