Galantamine HBr

Galantamine hydrobromide is the hydrobromide salt form of galantamine, an alkaloid extracted from the bulbs and flowers of the members of the Amaryllidaceae. It is indicated for the treatment of Alzheimer’s and mild to moderate vascular dementia.

Galantamine acts as a weak competitive and reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. It prevents that enzyme from breaking down acetylcholine, thus increasing the amount of this neurotransmitter. It is also a potent allosteric potentiating ligand of human nicotinic acetylcholine receptors α4β2, α3β4, and α6β4 in certain areas of the brain. By binding to the allosteric site of the nicotinic receptors, a conformational change occurs which increases the receptors response to acetylcholine. It has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. Galantamine neutralizes the damaging effects caused by high kynurenic acid levels, which are responsible for the cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia.

Interestingly enough, it has also been found to enhance the dopamine release in the prefrontal cortex. In a study on children with ADHD, galantamine was effective in improving ADHD symptoms and executive-function deficits by about 23 percent.

Galantamine as adjunct treatment to risperidone has also been shown to improve some of the symptoms of autism such as irritability, lethargy and social withdrawal. Its dual mechanism of action could also improve attention in autistic individuals.

In a study on rodents with diet-induced obesity, it was observed that it helped lower insulin resistance, cholesterol levels, body weight as well as inflammation.

According to another study, smokers who were administered with galantamine daily reported that they smoked on fewer days and their total cigarettes reduced in number.

Benefits of taking galantamine

• mild stimulation;
• enhanced focus and learning;
• improved memory and recall;
• boost in problem-solving skills;
• increased task salience (how rewarding a task is perceived);
• enhanced executive function;
• anti-inflammatory effects;
• possible aid in smoking cessation;
• possible aid in losing weight;
• vivid dreams;
• lucid dreaming.

Side effects

Galantamine’s side effect profile is similar to other acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and stem from increasing the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system.

• diarrhea;
• headache;
• insomnia;
• nausea;
• vomiting;
• bradycardia (slow resting heart rate);
• hypotension (decreased blood pressure).

Dosage

The standard galantamine hydrobromide dosage ranges from 8 mg-24 mg taken once or twice daily orally. To lower the risk of suffering from the side effects, one should start with a low dosage and gradually increase it.