Side Effects

What are the side effects of these medications?

Like any medication, side effects can occur.  However, with the available Alzheimer’s disease medications, when taken as instructed, the side effects are generally mild and temporary, and readily managed.

The most common side effects know to occur with Namenda are dizziness, headache, constipation, and confusion.

For the cholinesterase inhibitors (Razadyne, Exelon, Aricept), the most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, weight loss, and loss of appetite.

How can I help my loved one reduce these side effects?

First, taking the medication as prescribed is the best defense against the development of side effects.

Other ways to help reduce side effects is taking the medication, in particular the cholinesterase inhibitors (Razadyne, Exelon, and Aricept), with meals.  This generally helps decrease the feelings of nausea and vomiting.

Making sure your loved one drinks enough fluids is also helpful.

Usually the more common side effects are reported to decrease after some time, as patients get used to the medication.

Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about any of the side effects listed above, or anything else you may notice in your loved one that is causing discomfort.

The doctor may want to prescribe another medication known to help reduce the experience of nausea and vomiting, called an anti-emetic.