Dementia

Question 1

Donepezil (Aricept)

Answer 1

Anti-alzheimer and cholinergic medication. Desired effect: decreased dementia symptoms and improved cognition. Used with mild, moderate and severe dementia. Oral medication

Question 2

Rivastigmine (Exelon)

Answer 2

Cholinergic and Anti-alzheimer medication. Available as a capsule or transdermal patch. Side effects: anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, loss of appetite and subsequent unintended weight loss, slowing of heart rate, dizziness, falls, headaches and nightmares. Titrated the dose

Question 3

Galantamine (Reminyl)

Answer 3

Cholinergic and anti-alzheimer medication. For mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Side effects: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and subsequent unintended weight loss, slowing of heart rate, dizziness, falls, headaches and nightmares, acute generalized exanthematous pustuloais, Stevens-johnson syndrome.
- initial dose can be increased after 4 weeks. Give with food and adequate fluids.

Question 4

Memantine (Ebixa)

Answer 4

NMDA Antagonist. Prevents excitatory glutamate binding to receptor sites. Most is excreted unchanged in urine. Side effects: sedation, muscles cramps, headaxhes, dizziness, fatigue and insomnia. Weekly titration. Monitor for anemia.

Question 5

Donepezil/memantine (Namzaric)

Answer 5

Combo of donepezil and memantine.

Question 6

Other drugs used with Dementia

Answer 6

Antipsychotics (risperidone or quetiapine)
Anti-anxiety meds (benzos)
Sleep aids
Antidepressants