Medications

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GENERIC NAME: GALANTAMINE - ORAL (ga-LAN-tuh-meen)

BRAND NAME(S): Razadyne, Reminyl

USES: This medication is used to treat Alzheimer's disease. Use of galantamine for any illnesses occurring in children is not recommended.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually twice daily with food (at the morning and evening meals), or as directed. Drink plenty of fluids with this medication unless instructed otherwise. Your dose will be adjusted over time (titrated) until the right amount of medicine is determined. Use this medication exactly as prescribed to minimize the occurrence of side effects. Do not stop taking it or increase the dose unless instructed to do so by your doctor. If you are using the liquid form of this drug, read the manufacturer's instruction sheet that comes with the bottle. Follow the directions exactly. If you have not taken the drug for several days, contact your doctor to re-establish your dosing schedule. To minimize side effects, you will be restarted at the lowest dose. The dosage will then gradually be increased. It may take at least four weeks of continued use before full benefit of this drug takes effect. The recommended maximum total daily dose is 24 mg.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, decreased appetite or weight loss may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, new-onset or worsening heartburn, unusually slow heartbeat, chest pain, stomach pain, loss of bladder control or difficulty urinating. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: convulsions, black stool, bloody or "coffee-ground" vomit, irregular heartbeat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.