Dementia medication: what works, what to watch for

There’s no single pill that stops dementia, but the right medicines can slow symptoms, ease behaviour changes, and make daily life better. If you or a loved one is starting treatment, you want clear facts: which drugs help, common side effects, and how to get them safely. This page gives practical, no-fluff guidance and points to useful buying and safety tips found on our site.

Common dementia drugs and what they do

Doctors usually choose from two main approaches: cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA antagonists.

• Cholinesterase inhibitors — donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine. These help with memory and thinking in early to moderate Alzheimer’s. Expect gradual benefit over weeks; not everyone responds.
• Memantine — used for moderate to severe dementia. It can improve daily function and reduce some agitation when added to a cholinesterase inhibitor.

Besides these, doctors may prescribe short-term antidepressants, anxiety meds, or low-dose antipsychotics for troubling behaviors. Those drugs don’t treat dementia itself — they manage symptoms — and they carry risks, so use them only when necessary and under close supervision.

Also remember vascular dementia: controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes is a key treatment strategy. If blood flow to the brain is part of the problem, managing heart and vessel health helps protect cognition.

Safety, side effects, and buying meds online

Side effects vary. Cholinesterase inhibitors commonly cause nausea, loose stools, and sleep changes; memantine can cause dizziness or headaches. Some dementia meds affect heart rate or interact with other prescriptions. Always tell your clinician about every medication you take — including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.

Watch for problems that matter: new fainting, sudden confusion, falls, severe stomach issues, or big mood swings. Those deserve a call to a doctor or pharmacist.

Looking for a safe way to buy meds online? We cover this across several articles on the site — for example guides on buying Zestril, Felodipine, and Atenolol safely. Key tips that apply to dementia meds:

• Buy only from licensed pharmacies that require a prescription.
• Check pharmacy contact info and independent reviews; avoid stores that sell controlled meds with no script.
• Be cautious of very low prices — they can mean counterfeit or expired products.
• Keep copies of prescriptions and track delivery to avoid interruptions in treatment.

Finally, always pair medication with practical care: routines, simplified tasks, good sleep, and regular check-ins with the care team. Ask your doctor for a medication review at least once a year — or sooner if side effects start. If you want, browse our site’s buying and safety guides to learn how to order prescription drugs responsibly and what questions to ask a pharmacist before you commit.

If you have specific questions about a drug or a real-world situation, mention it and I’ll help sort the facts and next steps.