Drug interactions
Galantamine + Memantine-donepezil
Severity: Major
Galantamine and Memantine-donepezil: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Donepezil and galantamine are both cholinesterase inhibitors, so using them together duplicates therapy and increases cholinergic adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, bradycardia and syncope. There is no established added cognitive benefit.
What this interaction means in plain words
Galantamine and Memantine-donepezil can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Galantamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Memantine-donepezil belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Duplicate acetylcholinesterase inhibition produces additive cholinergic effects.
What to do
Avoid combining two cholinesterase inhibitors and use only one. If switching, stop one agent before starting the other and monitor tolerability.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Memantine-donepezil
- Dronedarone + Memantine-donepezil Contraindicated
- Memantine-donepezil + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amantadine + Memantine-donepezil Major
- Amiodarone + Memantine-donepezil Major
- Amisulpride + Memantine-donepezil Major
- Amitriptyline + Memantine-donepezil Major
Other interactions of Galantamine
- Galantamine + Physostigmine Major
- Galantamine + Ponesimod Major
- Galantamine + Rivastigmine Major
- Amifampridine + Galantamine Moderate
- Amiodarone + Galantamine Moderate
- Amitriptyline + Galantamine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Galantamine with Memantine-donepezil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Galantamine and Memantine-donepezil can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Donepezil and galantamine are both cholinesterase inhibitors, so using them together duplicates therapy and increases cholinergic adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, bradycardia and syncope. There is no established added cognitive benefit.
How serious is the interaction between Galantamine and Memantine-donepezil?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid combining two cholinesterase inhibitors and use only one. If switching, stop one agent before starting the other and monitor tolerability.
What other medicines interact with Memantine-donepezil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Memantine-donepezil with, for example, Dronedarone, Thioridazine, Amantadine. The full list is on the Memantine-donepezil page.
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