Examples
|
| Aricept | donepezil |
| Razadyne | galantamine |
| Exelon | rivastigmine |
How It Works
Cholinesterase inhibitors increase the
level of a brain chemical called acetylcholine. People with
and related conditions have
decreased brain levels of this neurotransmitter. Increasing the amount of
acetylcholine appears to slow mental decline in people with Alzheimer's
disease.
These medicines help the brain cells work better but do
not stop or reverse the destruction of brain cells and loss of acetylcholine
that occur in Alzheimer's disease. They do not prevent the disease from getting
worse but may slow the progression of symptoms.
Why It Is Used
Cholinesterase inhibitors may be
used to treat some symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. They also may be used in
other types of
, such as
and
.
How Well It Works
Cholinesterase inhibitors may
produce small improvements in memory and general ability to function. For example, the person may be able to remember friends'
names better and be able to dress himself or herself with less
difficulty.
Cholinesterase inhibitors do not help everyone who has
Alzheimer's disease. It is believed that as the disease progresses, the
medicine eventually may stop working.
The various cholinesterase
inhibitors have similar effects on memory and cognitive function, so the choice
between medicines may be based on side effects, dosing schedules and ease of
use, individual response to a particular medicine, or other factors.
Side Effects
In general, most people seem to
tolerate cholinesterase inhibitors very well. The most common side effects
are:
- Nausea.
- Diarrhea.
- Vomiting.
- Indigestion.
- Abdominal
pain.
- Loss of appetite and weight loss.
Less common side effects include insomnia, fatigue, and
muscle cramps. Side effects tend to be mild and usually go away within a few
weeks after treatment with the medicine is started.
See Drug
Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in
all systems.)
What To Think About
Cholinesterase inhibitors do not
work for everyone who has Alzheimer's disease, but they are helpful for some
people. They may be a reasonable option for those who understand the risks and
costs and feel the possible benefits are worth it.
Most studies of
cholinesterase inhibitors for people with Alzheimer's disease found that the
benefits of taking these medicines are small.,
Side effects seem to be milder and occur less
often with donepezil or galantamine than with rivastigmine.