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Alzheimer’s Disease Medications Fact Sheet
Treatment for Mild to Moderate Alzheimer’s
Treatment for Moderate to Severe Alzheimer’ss
Dosage and Side Effects
For More Information
Table of Medications
Several prescription drugs are currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat people who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Treating the symptoms of Alzheimer’s can provide patients with comfort, dignity, and independence for a longer period of time and can encourage and assist their caregivers as well.
It is important to understand that none of these medications stops the disease itself.
For information about managing medicines for people with Alzheimer’s disease, read the tip sheet Managing Medicines (PDF, 625K).
Volunteers—people with Alzheimer’s or mild cognitive impairment and healthy individuals—are needed to participate in Alzheimer’s clinical research. Learn about participating in clinical trials.
Treatment for Mild to Moderate Alzheimer’s
Medications called cholinesterase inhibitors are prescribed for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. These drugs may help delay or prevent symptoms from becoming worse for a limited time and may help control some behavioral symptoms. The medications include: Razadyne® (galantamine), Exelon® (rivastigmine), and Aricept® (donepezil). Another drug, Cognex® (tacrine), was the first approved cholinesterase inhibitor but is no longer available due to safety concerns.
Scientists do not yet fully understand how cholinesterase inhibitors work to treat Alzheimer’s disease, but research indicates that they prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical believed to be important for memory and thinking. As Alzheimer’s progresses, the brain produces less and less acetylcholine; therefore, cholinesterase inhibitors may eventually lose their effect.
No published study directly compares these drugs. Because they work in a similar way, switching from one of these drugs to another probably will not produce significantly different results. However, an Alzheimer’s patient may respond better to one drug than another.
Treatment for Moderate to Severe Alzheimer’s
A medication known as Namenda® (memantine), an N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist, is prescribed to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. This drug’s main effect is to delay progression of some of the symptoms of moderate to severe Alzheimer’s. It may allow patients to maintain certain daily functions a little longer than they would without the medication. For example, Namenda® may help a patient in the later stages of the disease maintain his or her ability to use the bathroom independently for several more months, a benefit for both patients and caregivers.
Namenda® is believed to work by regulating glutamate, an important brain chemical. When produced in excessive amounts, glutamate may lead to brain cell death. Because NMDA antagonists work very differently from cholinesterase inhibitors, the two types of drugs can be prescribed in combination.
The FDA has also approved Aricept® for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease.
Dosage and Side Effects
Doctors usually start patients at low drug doses and gradually increase the dosage based on how well a patient tolerates the drug. There is some evidence that certain patients may benefit from higher doses of the cholinesterase inhibitors. However, the higher the dose, the more likely are side effects. The recommended effective dosages of drugs prescribed to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and the drugs’ possible side effects are summarized in the table below.
Patients should be monitored when a drug is started. Report any unusual symptoms to the prescribing doctor right away. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions when taking any medication, including vitamins and herbal supplements. Also, let the doctor know before adding or changing any medications.
Testing New Alzheimer’s Drugs
Clinical trials are the best way to find out if promising new treatments are safe and effective in humans. Volunteer participants are needed for many Alzheimer’s trials conducted around the United States. To learn more, talk with your doctor or visit the ADEAR Center’s listing of clinical trials. More information is available at http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov.
For More Information
To learn about support groups, research centers, research studies, and publications about Alzheimer’s disease, contact the following resources:
Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center
P.O. Box 8250
Silver Spring, MD 20907-8250
1-800-438-4380 (toll-free) http://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers
The National Institute on Aging’s ADEAR Center offers information and publications for families, caregivers, and professionals on diagnosis, treatment, patient care, caregiver needs, long-term care, education, training, and research related to Alzheimer’s disease. Staff members answer telephone, email, and written requests and make referrals to local and national resources. Visit the ADEAR website to learn more about Alzheimer’s and other dementias, find clinical trials, and sign up for email updates.
Alzheimer’s Association
225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17
Chicago, IL 60601-7633
1-800-272-3900 (toll-free)
1-866-403-3073 (TDD/toll-free) http://www.alz.org
The Alzheimer’s Association is a national nonprofit association with a network of local chapters that provide education and support for people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, their families, and caregivers. The Association also supports research on Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
322 Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10001
1-866-232-8484 (toll-free) http://www.alzfdn.org
The Alzheimer’s Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that serves people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers and families. Services include a toll-free hotline, publications, and online resources.
Medications to Treat Alzheimer’s Disease
Note: This brief summary does not include all information important for patient use and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult the prescribing doctor and read the package insert before using these or any other medications or supplements. Drugs are listed in order of FDA approval, starting with the most recent.
(To view this as one table, please open the PDF version of this publication.)
DRUG NAME
DRUG TYPE AND USE
HOW IT WORKS
COMMON SIDE EFFECTS
Namenda® (memantine) N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist prescribed to treat symptoms of moderate to severe Alzheimer’s Blocks the toxic effects associated with excess glutamate and regulates glutamate activation Dizziness, headache, constipation, confusion
Razadyne® (galantamine) Cholinesterase inhibitor prescribed to treat symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s Prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine and stimulates nicotinic receptors to release more acetylcholine in the brain Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, loss of appetite
Exelon® (rivastigmine) Cholinesterase inhibitor prescribed to treat symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s (patch is also for severe Alzheimer’s) Prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine and butyrylcholine (a brain chemical similar to acetylcholine) in the brain Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, loss of appetite, muscle weakness
Aricept® (donepezil) Cholinesterase inhibitor prescribed to treat symptoms of mild to moderate, and moderate to severe Alzheimer’s Prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
DRUG NAME
MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDED DOSAGE
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Namenda® (memantine)
Tablet: Initial dose of 5 mg once a day
May increase dose to 10 mg/day (5 mg twice a day), 15 mg/day (5 mg and 10 mg as separate doses), and 20 mg/day (10 mg twice a day) at minimum 1-week intervals if well tolerated
Oral solution: same dosage as above
Extended-release tablet: Initial dose of 7 mg once a day; may increase dose to 14 mg/day, 21 mg/day, and 28 mg/day at minimum 1-week intervals if well tolerated
For current information about this drug’s safety and use, visit http://www.namenda.com. See Full Prescribing Information (PDF, 555K).
Razadyne® (galantamine)
Tablet*: Initial dose of 8 mg/day (4 mg twice a day)
May increase dose to 16 mg/day (8 mg twice a day) and 24 mg/day (12 mg twice a day) at minimum 4-week intervals if well tolerated
Oral solution*: same dosage as above
Extended-release capsule*: same dosage as above but taken once a day
For current information about this drug’s safety and use, visit http://www.razadyneer.com. See Full Prescribing Information (PDF, 677K).
Exelon® (rivastigmine)
Capsule*: Initial dose of 3 mg/day (1.5 mg twice a day)
May increase dose to 6 mg/day (3 mg twice a day), 9 mg (4.5 mg twice a day), and 12 mg/day (6 mg twice a day) at minimum 2-week intervals if well tolerated
Patch: Initial dose of 4.6 mg once a day; may increase to 9.5 mg once a day and 13.3 mg once a day at minimum 4-week intervals if well tolerated
Oral solution: same dosage as capsule
For current information about this drug’s safety and use, visit the http://www.fda.gov/Drugs. Click on “Drugs @ FDA,” search for Exelon, and click on drug-name links to see “Label Information.”
Aricept® (donepezil)
Tablet*: Initial dose of 5 mg once a day
May increase dose to 10 mg/day after 4-6 weeks if well tolerated, then to 23 mg/day after at least 3 months
Orally disintegrating tablet*: same dosage as above
23-mg dose available as brand-name tablet only
For current information about this drug’s safety and use, visit http://www.fda.gov/Drugs. Click on “Drugs @ FDA,” search for Aricept, and click on drug-name links to see “Label Information.”
*Available as a generic drug.
Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center
A Service of the National Institute on Aging
National Institutes of Health
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
November 2008 (Updated January 2014)
Publication Date: January 2014
Page Last Updated: July 16, 2014
Alzheimer's disease and dementia by Raymond W. Holman Jr. 
One Comment
Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center
Home
About Alzheimer’s
Find Help
Research
Federal Initiatives
About ADEAR
Alzheimer’s Disease Medications Fact Sheet
Treatment for Mild to Moderate Alzheimer’s
Treatment for Moderate to Severe Alzheimer’ss
Dosage and Side Effects
For More Information
Table of Medications
Several prescription drugs are currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat people who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Treating the symptoms of Alzheimer’s can provide patients with comfort, dignity, and independence for a longer period of time and can encourage and assist their caregivers as well.
It is important to understand that none of these medications stops the disease itself.
For information about managing medicines for people with Alzheimer’s disease, read the tip sheet Managing Medicines (PDF, 625K).
Volunteers—people with Alzheimer’s or mild cognitive impairment and healthy individuals—are needed to participate in Alzheimer’s clinical research. Learn about participating in clinical trials.
Treatment for Mild to Moderate Alzheimer’s
Medications called cholinesterase inhibitors are prescribed for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. These drugs may help delay or prevent symptoms from becoming worse for a limited time and may help control some behavioral symptoms. The medications include: Razadyne® (galantamine), Exelon® (rivastigmine), and Aricept® (donepezil). Another drug, Cognex® (tacrine), was the first approved cholinesterase inhibitor but is no longer available due to safety concerns.
Scientists do not yet fully understand how cholinesterase inhibitors work to treat Alzheimer’s disease, but research indicates that they prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical believed to be important for memory and thinking. As Alzheimer’s progresses, the brain produces less and less acetylcholine; therefore, cholinesterase inhibitors may eventually lose their effect.
No published study directly compares these drugs. Because they work in a similar way, switching from one of these drugs to another probably will not produce significantly different results. However, an Alzheimer’s patient may respond better to one drug than another.
Treatment for Moderate to Severe Alzheimer’s
A medication known as Namenda® (memantine), an N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist, is prescribed to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. This drug’s main effect is to delay progression of some of the symptoms of moderate to severe Alzheimer’s. It may allow patients to maintain certain daily functions a little longer than they would without the medication. For example, Namenda® may help a patient in the later stages of the disease maintain his or her ability to use the bathroom independently for several more months, a benefit for both patients and caregivers.
Namenda® is believed to work by regulating glutamate, an important brain chemical. When produced in excessive amounts, glutamate may lead to brain cell death. Because NMDA antagonists work very differently from cholinesterase inhibitors, the two types of drugs can be prescribed in combination.
The FDA has also approved Aricept® for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease.
Dosage and Side Effects
Doctors usually start patients at low drug doses and gradually increase the dosage based on how well a patient tolerates the drug. There is some evidence that certain patients may benefit from higher doses of the cholinesterase inhibitors. However, the higher the dose, the more likely are side effects. The recommended effective dosages of drugs prescribed to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and the drugs’ possible side effects are summarized in the table below.
Patients should be monitored when a drug is started. Report any unusual symptoms to the prescribing doctor right away. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions when taking any medication, including vitamins and herbal supplements. Also, let the doctor know before adding or changing any medications.
Testing New Alzheimer’s Drugs
Clinical trials are the best way to find out if promising new treatments are safe and effective in humans. Volunteer participants are needed for many Alzheimer’s trials conducted around the United States. To learn more, talk with your doctor or visit the ADEAR Center’s listing of clinical trials. More information is available at http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov.
For More Information
To learn about support groups, research centers, research studies, and publications about Alzheimer’s disease, contact the following resources:
Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center
P.O. Box 8250
Silver Spring, MD 20907-8250
1-800-438-4380 (toll-free)
http://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers
The National Institute on Aging’s ADEAR Center offers information and publications for families, caregivers, and professionals on diagnosis, treatment, patient care, caregiver needs, long-term care, education, training, and research related to Alzheimer’s disease. Staff members answer telephone, email, and written requests and make referrals to local and national resources. Visit the ADEAR website to learn more about Alzheimer’s and other dementias, find clinical trials, and sign up for email updates.
Alzheimer’s Association
225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17
Chicago, IL 60601-7633
1-800-272-3900 (toll-free)
1-866-403-3073 (TDD/toll-free)
http://www.alz.org
The Alzheimer’s Association is a national nonprofit association with a network of local chapters that provide education and support for people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, their families, and caregivers. The Association also supports research on Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
322 Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10001
1-866-232-8484 (toll-free)
http://www.alzfdn.org
The Alzheimer’s Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that serves people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers and families. Services include a toll-free hotline, publications, and online resources.
Medications to Treat Alzheimer’s Disease
Note: This brief summary does not include all information important for patient use and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult the prescribing doctor and read the package insert before using these or any other medications or supplements. Drugs are listed in order of FDA approval, starting with the most recent.
(To view this as one table, please open the PDF version of this publication.)
DRUG NAME
DRUG TYPE AND USE
HOW IT WORKS
COMMON SIDE EFFECTS
Namenda® (memantine) N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist prescribed to treat symptoms of moderate to severe Alzheimer’s Blocks the toxic effects associated with excess glutamate and regulates glutamate activation Dizziness, headache, constipation, confusion
Razadyne® (galantamine) Cholinesterase inhibitor prescribed to treat symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s Prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine and stimulates nicotinic receptors to release more acetylcholine in the brain Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, loss of appetite
Exelon® (rivastigmine) Cholinesterase inhibitor prescribed to treat symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s (patch is also for severe Alzheimer’s) Prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine and butyrylcholine (a brain chemical similar to acetylcholine) in the brain Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, loss of appetite, muscle weakness
Aricept® (donepezil) Cholinesterase inhibitor prescribed to treat symptoms of mild to moderate, and moderate to severe Alzheimer’s Prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
DRUG NAME
MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDED DOSAGE
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Namenda® (memantine)
Tablet: Initial dose of 5 mg once a day
May increase dose to 10 mg/day (5 mg twice a day), 15 mg/day (5 mg and 10 mg as separate doses), and 20 mg/day (10 mg twice a day) at minimum 1-week intervals if well tolerated
Oral solution: same dosage as above
Extended-release tablet: Initial dose of 7 mg once a day; may increase dose to 14 mg/day, 21 mg/day, and 28 mg/day at minimum 1-week intervals if well tolerated
For current information about this drug’s safety and use, visit http://www.namenda.com. See Full Prescribing Information (PDF, 555K).
Razadyne® (galantamine)
Tablet*: Initial dose of 8 mg/day (4 mg twice a day)
May increase dose to 16 mg/day (8 mg twice a day) and 24 mg/day (12 mg twice a day) at minimum 4-week intervals if well tolerated
Oral solution*: same dosage as above
Extended-release capsule*: same dosage as above but taken once a day
For current information about this drug’s safety and use, visit http://www.razadyneer.com. See Full Prescribing Information (PDF, 677K).
Exelon® (rivastigmine)
Capsule*: Initial dose of 3 mg/day (1.5 mg twice a day)
May increase dose to 6 mg/day (3 mg twice a day), 9 mg (4.5 mg twice a day), and 12 mg/day (6 mg twice a day) at minimum 2-week intervals if well tolerated
Patch: Initial dose of 4.6 mg once a day; may increase to 9.5 mg once a day and 13.3 mg once a day at minimum 4-week intervals if well tolerated
Oral solution: same dosage as capsule
For current information about this drug’s safety and use, visit the http://www.fda.gov/Drugs. Click on “Drugs @ FDA,” search for Exelon, and click on drug-name links to see “Label Information.”
Aricept® (donepezil)
Tablet*: Initial dose of 5 mg once a day
May increase dose to 10 mg/day after 4-6 weeks if well tolerated, then to 23 mg/day after at least 3 months
Orally disintegrating tablet*: same dosage as above
23-mg dose available as brand-name tablet only
For current information about this drug’s safety and use, visit http://www.fda.gov/Drugs. Click on “Drugs @ FDA,” search for Aricept, and click on drug-name links to see “Label Information.”
*Available as a generic drug.
Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center
A Service of the National Institute on Aging
National Institutes of Health
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
November 2008 (Updated January 2014)
Publication Date: January 2014
Page Last Updated: July 16, 2014
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