Galamer

Galantamine is a medication which helps in improving the function of the nerve cells in the brain. It works by stopping the breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is crucial for the processes of memory, thinking, and reasoning. The level of this chemical is usually lower than normal in people with dementia.

Galamer is therefore prescribed for people with mild to moderate dementia induced by Alzheimer’s disease. Galamer may also be given for treatments not listed here. 

Galamer functions by preventing the breakdown of an organic neurotransmitter chemical called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is crucial for the processes of memory, thinking, and reasoning. The level of this chemical is usually lower than normal in people with dementia.

Do not take the drug if you: are allergic to this active ingredient Galantamine or any other ingredient of Galamer; have allergies to the food and medicines; are pregnant or planning to be pregnant; are breastfeeding as the drug may pass into the breast milk.

Tell your doctor if you: have a diabetes history, have a seizure disorder, have heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia), have the condition of vertigo or very fast heart beat, have a history of epilepsy.

Take the drug exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Galamer dosage will be decided by your doctor after properly examining you. However, the normal dosage is 4 mg orally once daily initially, then incremented by 4 mg per week. Maintenance dosage is 4mg once daily up to 10 mg twice daily. The maximum daily dose of Galamer should not exceed 20 mg.

Take Galamer strictly according to your doctor's direction or according to the instructions on the medication label. Do not alter the dosage unless your doctor advises you to do so. Your doctor may occasionally change the dosage to get the maximum benefit out of the medication. Also, do not take Galamer after the prescribed period is over. Galamer extended release tablet is usually taken once per day in the morning or according to your doctor’s instructions. It works best if taken along with food. Avoid crushing, breaking, or chewing a Galamer extended release tablet as doing so may lead to too much of the medicine to be release at once. Instead swallow it whole with a full glass of water. Ensure to drink plenty of water (6-8 glasses) to prevent dehydration while taking Galamer.

Do not stop taking the tablets or change the dose without consulting with your Doctor. Galamer is meant to be taken on a regular basis, so keep on taking the drug as long as recommended by the Doctor. 

In case of an overdose of Galamer, get emergency medical attention or call the Doctor immediately. Overdose may cause restlessness, drowsiness, unusual behavior, hallucinations, light headedness, or fainting. Do not miss a single dose of Galamer. However, if you miss a dose, take it as soon as your remember it. Do not take the missed dose if the time to take the next dose is almost up. Instead continue with the original schedule. Never take multiple doses closer to each other.

You may witness or experience some side effects while taking Galamer. Some of the side effects due to Galamer are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, appetite loss, or weight loss. Seek emergency medical attention if any of these effects persist for a longer period or deteriorate further.

Any serious side effect is rare but get in touch with your doctor immediately if you have any of these serious side effects of Galamer: fainting, unusually slow heartbeat, difficulty while urinating, seizures, black or bloody stools, bloody vomit that looks like coffee grounds, stomach pain/abdominal pain, or irregular heartbeat.

These are not the only side effects of Galamer. There may be others. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any serious side effects or if your condition worsens after taking Galamer. 

Follow any diet and activity restrictions advised by your doctor strictly, especially with regards to any activity that requires a high level of mental alertness.

Immediately stop using Galamer and seek medical attention if you experience chest pain, low heart rate, bloody stools, coughing up blood, reduced urination, weakness, confusion, extreme thirst, or hot or dry skin.