dementia meds

Question 1

donzepezil

Answer 1

cholinesterase i
increase acetylcholine
mild-mod AD
none-mild SE, resolve on own (titrate dose): GI upset (avoid NSAIDs, give at bed with food)), drowsy, dizzy, insomnia, muscle cramp, bradycardia, reflex tachy, syncope
forgetful pt, make sure they take

Question 2

memantine

Answer 2

N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist
block stimulation NMDA believed to be associated with AD
mod-severe AD, decrease Ca in brain so slows neuronal death
often given with other drugs
uncommon SE: confusion, hypotension, HA, dizzy, constipation!
w or w/o food
make sure they take