Managing side effects of common dementia medications

Dementia medications can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life, but they often come with side effects that need careful attention. Understanding how to handle these side effects is important for both patients and caregivers.

One common medication used in dementia is **donepezil**, which helps with memory and thinking. It may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, insomnia, reduced appetite, and muscle cramps. Older adults might be more sensitive to these effects and could become dehydrated if symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea are severe. To manage this, it’s helpful to take the medication with food to reduce stomach upset and ensure plenty of fluids are consumed throughout the day. If side effects persist or worsen, consulting a healthcare provider is crucial because donepezil can sometimes lead to more serious issues like seizures or urinary problems.

Another drug often prescribed for dementia-related agitation is **Rexulti** (brexpiprazole). Common side effects include restlessness (akathisia), drowsiness, weight gain, dizziness, tremors, headache, and insomnia. These may be temporary as the body adjusts but should not be ignored if they interfere significantly with daily life. Managing Rexulti’s side effects involves monitoring for movement difficulties or mood changes closely since serious reactions such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome or stroke are rare but possible. Regular check-ins with a doctor help catch any concerning symptoms early.

For newer treatments like **Leqembi** (lecanemab), which targets Alzheimer’s disease through intravenous infusions rather than pills, mild side effects such as diarrhea, coughs, headaches or infusion-related reactions can occur during treatment sessions. These usually go away quickly but require observation during infusions so medical staff can respond promptly if severe allergic reactions happen. Because Leqembi carries risks of brain swelling or bleeding detectable by MRI scans—known as amyloid-related imaging abnormalities—patients need regular brain imaging before and during treatment to catch any problems early.

In general:

– Always report new or worsening symptoms promptly.
– Stay hydrated especially if gastrointestinal issues arise.
– Take medications exactly as prescribed; do not stop suddenly without medical advice.
– Work closely with healthcare providers who may adjust doses or switch medications based on tolerance.
– Supportive care such as good nutrition and rest also helps reduce discomfort from side effects.

Managing dementia medication side effects requires patience and communication between patients’ families and their medical teams so that benefits outweigh challenges while maintaining safety at every step.