Reminyl

 
Generic Name: galantamine

Brands: Reminyl

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What is the most important information I should know about Reminyl?

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Reminyl may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

 

What is Reminyl?

· Reminyl is used to treat Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is associated with low levels of a chemical called acetylcholine (ah see til KOH leen) in the brain. The exact way that Reminyl works is unknown. However, it is believed that Reminyl prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain.

· Reminyl is used to improve thinking and memory in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

· Reminyl may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

Who should not take Reminyl?

· Before taking Reminyl, tell your doctor if you:     ·have significant nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, or weight loss;     ·have difficulty urinating;     ·have heart disease such as a slow or irregular heartbeat;     ·have a history of stomach ulcers;     ·have seizures or a history of seizures;     ·have kidney disease;     ·have liver disease;     ·have a history of asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease; or     ·need to have surgery.

· You may not be able to take Reminyl or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Reminyl is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take Reminyl without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

· It is also not known whether Reminyl passes into breast milk. Do not take Reminyl without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Reminyl?

· Take Reminyl exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Reminyl is usually taken twice a day, with the morning and evening meals. Follow your doctor's directions.

· Reminyl should be taken with food.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water.

· If treatment with Reminyl is stopped for several days or longer, treatment should be restarted at the lowest dose and slowly increased to the current dose. Contact your doctor before restarting treatment with Reminyl

· Store Reminyl at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of Reminyl unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of a Reminyl overdose include severe nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, watering mouth, eye watering, sweating, slow heartbeat, slow breathing, muscle weakness, seizures, and collapse.

 

What should I avoid while taking Reminyl?

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Reminyl may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

 

What are the possible side effects of Reminyl?

· Stop taking Reminyl and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

· Other, less serious side effects may also occur. Continue to take Reminyl and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·drowsiness or dizziness;     ·nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;     ·abdominal pain, upset stomach, gas, or diarrhea;     ·weight loss;     ·headache; or     ·tremor.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Reminyl?

· Before taking Reminyl, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:     ·paroxetine (Paxil; Paxil CR), fluoxetine (Prozac), or fluvoxamine (Luvox);     ·amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep);     ·quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinaglute, others);     ·cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB);     ·ketoconazole (Nizoral, others); or     ·erythromycin (Ery-Tab, E.E.S., E-Mycin, Eryc, others).

· You may not be able to use Reminyl, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Reminyl, or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has more information about Reminyl written for health professionals that you may read.

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