Aricept, Razadyne, and Exelon

Cholinesterase inhibitors are a group of drugs commonly prescribed to individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia in order to slow the disease. For individuals with dementia, brain function decreases in part because their brain cells are no longer able to communicate with one another as well as they used to. Cholinesterase inhibitors act to increase levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, a chemical which helps brain cells communicate and work better. A person taking one of these medications may be better able to remember names and details or perform activities with fewer problems.

There are currently 4 cholinesterase inhibitors on the market:

• Aricept® (generic name: donepezil)
• Razadyne®, formerly known as Reminyl (generic name: galantamine)
• Exelon® (generic name: rivastigmine)
• Cognex® (generic name: tacrine) - less commonly prescribed

These medications are typically prescribed to individuals in the early to middle stages of dementia. Aricept® was recently approved to treat severe dementia as well. It is important to remember that these medications only slow the progression of dementia and Alzheimer's disease – they do not stop or reverse their course. These medications typically help for only months to a few years and may not work as well once the disease progresses.

In general, individuals who use cholinesterase inhibitors experience few side effects. The most commonly-experienced side effects are gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.