Algemer 5mg Tablet is used to treat mild to moderate dementia in Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive illness that gradually affects memory and thinking. It does not cure this illness but may help improve memory, awareness, and other symptoms.
Your doctor will explain how to take Algemer 5mg Tablet. You may take it with food, preferably at night before going to bed. Follow the instructions carefully to get the most benefit. The dose may change from time to time to suit your individual needs. It can take up to a few weeks for symptoms to improve so keep taking your medicine regularly. You should not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Some common side effects of this medicine include nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, vomiting, muscle cramps, fatigue, weight loss (anorexia), headache, loss of appetite, common cold, urinary incontinence, and rash. Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated. You may have side effects more often when you start your treatment or when your dose is increased. Usually, the side effects will slowly go away as your body gets used to the Algemer 5mg Tablet. If they are severe or will not go away, you should contact your doctor.
Earlier using Algemer 5mg Tablet, you should tell your doctor if you have ever had heart problems, stomach ulcers, epilepsy, or asthma. It may also affect, or be affected by, some other drugs you are using so let your doctor know what these are to be safe. During pregnancy, this medicine should only be taken if it is advised.
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Algemer 5mg Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Side Effects:
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Ordinary side effects of Algemer
Weight loss
Ordinary cold
Urinary incontinence
Rash
Nausea
Diarrhea
Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
Accidental injury
Warning & Precautions:
Alcohol
UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Algemer 5mg Tablet.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Algemer 5mg Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Algemer 5mg Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Driving
UNSAFE
Algemer 5mg Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Algemer 5mg Tablet is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Algemer 5mg Tablet may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
CAUTION
Algemer 5mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Algemer 5mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
FAQs:
Why is Algemer 5mg Tablet taken at night?
Algemer 5mg Tablet is recommended to be taken before going to bed to reduce gastrointestinal side effects or nausea, which is commonly seen in some patients in the first few weeks of treatment.
Do the gastrointestinal side effects due to Algemer 5mg Tablet persist for a long time?
Gastrointestinal side effects may appear during the first few weeks of treatment with Algemer 5mg Tablet. This can be minimized by taking Algemer 5mg Tablet at bedtime and with food. Generally, these side effects are mild and disappear within a few weeks with continued treatment.
How long does it take for Algemer 5mg Tablet to start working?
Within the first month of treatment with Algemer 5mg Tablet, you may experience improvement in thinking and remembering (cognitive effect). However, it may take about 12 weeks to see the full benefits.
When should Algemer 5mg Tablet be stopped?
Do not stop Algemer 5mg Tablet without consulting your doctor. This medicine only helps to control your condition but does not cure it. Therefore, it may take several weeks to show benefits, so do not be discouraged if you do not see an improvement straight away. But, in case your condition starts worsening and you feel that it is no longer helping you, then you should consult a doctor before stopping it.
For how long does Algemer 5mg Tablet stay in your system?
Algemer 5mg Tablet gets removed from the body very slowly. It takes about two weeks or more for Algemer 5mg Tablet to be completely removed from the system.
Does Algemer 5mg Tablet cause depression?
No, Algemer 5mg Tablet does not cause depression. If you are experiencing symptoms, then it could be due to existing Alzheimer’s disease.
What if I take more than the prescribed dose of Algemer 5mg Tablet?
Taking more than the recommended dose of Algemer 5mg Tablet may cause vomiting, increased sweating or saliva production, slow heartbeat, dizziness, difficulty in breathing, seizures or fits, weakness, low blood pressure, convulsions, and inability to control your bowel motions or passing of urine (incontinence). You should seek immediate help from a doctor or emergency service of a nearby hospital.
I have been taking indomethacin for arthritis. Can I take Algemer 5mg Tablet?
Algemer 5mg Tablet does not interfere with the working of indomethacin, but indomethacin individually increases the risk of stomach bleeding when taken for a long time. Therefore, if you experience any symptoms of stomach bleeding, consult your doctor immediately.
Does Algemer 5mg Tablet cause hallucinations?
Hallucinations are a common side effect of Algemer 5mg Tablet, though not everyone is affected. Other common psychiatric side effects include agitation, aggressive behavior, nightmares, and abnormal dreams.
Who should not take Algemer 5mg Tablet?
Algemer 5mg Tablet should not be taken by patients who have hypersensitivity to Algemer 5mg Tablet hydrochloride, piperidine derivatives, or to any active ingredients used in the medicine. Also, it should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary.
Can it cause insomnia?
Affirmative, insomnia (sleeplessness) is a common side effect of Algemer 5mg Tablet. Dizziness and fainting can also be seen as common side effects. Though these side effects are common, they do not occur in everyone.
Written by:
Dr. T. Sharmila Krishna
M.B.B.S., MD (Biochemistry)
Reviewed by:
Dr. Sureshbabu Yadav
M.B.B.S., DIP.DIAB, F.R.S.H
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