Drug | Class and Indication | Mechanism of Action | Common Adverse Effects |
Donepezil (FDA-approved in 1996) | Cholinesterase inhibitor prescribed to treat symptoms of mild-to-moderate and moderate-to-severe AD | Prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea |
Galantamine (FDA-approved in 2001) | Cholinesterase inhibitor prescribed to treat symptoms of mild-to-moderate AD | Prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine and stimulates nicotinic receptors to release more acetylcholine in the brain | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss |
Rivastigmine (FDA-approved in 2000) | Cholinesterase inhibitor prescribed to treat symptoms of mild-to-moderate AD | Prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine and butyrylcholine in the brain | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, muscle weakness |
Memantine (FDA-approved in 2003) | N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist prescribed to treat symptoms of moderate-t-severe AD | Blocks the toxic effects associated with excess glutamate and regulates glutamate activation | Dizziness, headache, constipation, confusion |