Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Galantamine Er.
Bladder problems: Galantamine can make it more difficult to empty the bladder and may contribute to urinary tract problems. If you have bladder problems or a history of urinary tract problems, discuss with your doctor how Galantamine Er may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Galantamine Er, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Galantamine may affect the mental or physical abilities needed to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Galantamine Er affects you.
Gender: Women are more likely to experience side effects such as nausea and vomiting. This is also more likely to happen for women who are underweight.
Heart disease: Galantamine can cause slowed heart rate, affecting people with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) or Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). If you have a heart condition, including blood pressure problems, discuss with your doctor how Galantamine Er may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Galantamine Er, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney function: If you have Kidney Disease or decreased kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Galantamine Er may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Galantamine Er, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Galantamine is not recommended for people with severely reduced kidney function.
Liver function: If you have liver disease or reduced liver function, discuss with your doctor how Galantamine Er may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Galantamine Er, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Galantamine is not recommended for people with severely reduced liver function.
Lung disease: Galantamine can worsen the symptoms of breathing problems, such as Asthma or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) (COPD) emphysema, and Bronchitis. If you have asthma, COPD, or any other breathing problem, discuss with your doctor how Galantamine Er may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Galantamine Er, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Seizures: An increase in seizures has been reported by people taking galantamine. It is unclear whether this is because of the medication or the Alzheimer's disease. If you have or have had a seizure disorder, discuss with your doctor how Galantamine Er may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Galantamine Er, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Stomach ulcers: Galantamine can cause an increase in the amount of acid produced by the stomach, increasing the risk for stomach ulcers. If you have or have had stomach problems, or take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) medications, you are at increased risk of stomach problems with Galantamine Er. If you have any of these conditions, discuss with your doctor how Galantamine Er may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Galantamine Er, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Weight loss: People taking galantamine may experience significant weight loss. In some cases, this weight loss is unhealthy and may cause additional health problems. Let your doctor know about any weight loss that occurs.
Pregnancy: Galantamine Er should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Galantamine Er, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if galantamine passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Galantamine Er, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Galantamine Er have not been established for children. Galantamine is not intended to be used by children.
Seniors: People over 85 years of age may be at risk of more extreme weight loss when taking galantamine.
