A New member

Zygoma

Registered User
Jan 1, 2022
11
0
Hello everyone…I have very recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Dementia
I have never used a “Talking Point“ before.
I hope everyone here has a good da.y.

I am on Galantamine 16mg.
 

Izzy

Volunteer Moderator
Aug 31, 2003
73,994
0
72
Dundee
Good morning @Zygoma and welcome to the forum.

I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis but I’m glad you’ve found us. I know you will get lots of help and support here. There is an area of the forum where some people who have recently been diagnosed have posted. You might find it useful to have a look at that or even start your own thread there.


Whatever you decide please keep posting.
 

Grannie G

Volunteer Moderator
Apr 3, 2006
81,443
0
Kent
Hello @Zygoma Another welcome from me.

A new diagnosis can be quite a shock. I hope you have family and friends to support you.

Talking Point is a very supportive community and I hope you will receive enough help to make life a bit easier for you.
 

Zygoma

Registered User
Jan 1, 2022
11
0
Hello Grannie G, thanks for the greetings.
Yes the diagnosis came as surprise.
Been on Galantamine 8mg for a month
today started 16mg. The side effects can
be a problem!!!!

kindest Regards

Z
Male, age 74
 

Grannie G

Volunteer Moderator
Apr 3, 2006
81,443
0
Kent
Hello again @Zygoma

If the side effects of your medication become too worrying please don't hesitate in contacting your doctor.
 

Zygoma

Registered User
Jan 1, 2022
11
0
Time has passed by since my last post here. One week ago I was taken off Galantamine 16mg capsules following some very unpleasant side effects, severe bowel incontinence , dizzy spells and atrial fibrillation with angina. I have been advised the consultant want’s to try me on Donezepil?
Does anyone have any experience of this drug…….please advice and take care.
 

I thank you for the years

Registered User
Oct 5, 2021
79
0
Hello @Zygoma

Donepezil (known as Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon) and galantamine (Reminyl) are used to treat the symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Donepezil is also used to treat more severe Alzheimer's disease.

These medicines are all Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors which mean that they prevent an enzyme from breaking down a substance called acetylcholine in the brain, which helps nerve cells communicate with each other.

Presumably your consultant thinks that although Donepezil works in a similar way to Galantamine that you may experience less problematic side effects with it in which case it may be worth giving Donepezil a try. If you still get bad side effects with Donepezil then you can of course come of this medication too. Before stopping a medication that has been prescribed for you, however, you should always speak to your GP for advice particularly as in some cases (and I believe that Donepezil is one of these) there should be a period of reduction before ceasing the medication completely.

There is another medicine, Memantine, which is given to people with moderate or severe Alzheimer’s. Memantine is suitable for those who cannot take or are unable to tolerate acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. It works by blocking the effects of an excessive amount of a chemical in the brain called glutamate. My Dad has recently started on Memantine as he couldn’t start on Donepezil because he has a low pulse. I am mentioning Memantine because it may be that if you also have problems taking Donepezil that Memantine might be suggested as a third option.

The web link below provides some further information about donepezil.


I hope that you do find a treatment that is able to help slow down the progress of your condition without resulting in problematic side effects.

Best wishes.