Guest guest Posted December 19, 2003 Report Share Posted December 19, 2003 Dr. McCandless, , and all: Our pediatrician has just suggested the use of Aricept for our daughter. He said that there was a small study of its use in autism and 4 of the 9 participants showed benefit. Any comments? Thanks! Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 19, 2003 Report Share Posted December 19, 2003 Becky: Please read this before you use Aricept (donepezil). Galantamine can be obtained over the counter, has less side effects, and is considered far more effective except by the pharmaceutical companies, who make the exact same thing and call it Reminyl. It comes in 4mg capsules; before Amy Holmes left her practice, she was recommending it as a real break through for the kids. However, I have not seen much about it in autism for awhile. It really does head into the heavy duty drug arena whereas the DAN! doctors try to do as much as possible with diet and nutrients before we get to that. However, my chief question is, is it curative, or only to control symptoms (not that we don't sometimes have to do that to survive!). Before I got into autism, I used Aricept in Alzheimer patients, and though I'm sure you would use it in very low amounts, it can have some nasty side effects. Acetyl choline is definitely an extremely important neurotransmitter in the brain, and this drug affects the enzyme that destroys it (acetylcholinesterase). If that happens to be the child's problem, this could probably help. Unfortunately, I know of no way to test who might benefit. I think I would try giving some phosphatidyl choline or try DMAE to increase the acetyl choline first before heading into this drug. Would you mind telling me how the doctor came to this recommendation other than reading a study? I'd like to find out as much as possible. In fact, my memory needs some help; I have some on hand and think I'll try it and report back to you all (if I remember! :~) Thanks! Jaquelyn GALANTAMINE DELIVERS A DOUBLE WHAMMY TO DEMENTIA An AChE inhibitor backed by several thousand years of safe use has recently been found by scientists to be beneficial in treating dementia. Called galantamine, it is extracted from flowering bulbs such as those of the common snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis), daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus L.), and spider lily (Lycoris radiata). Its recorded use dates back to the time of Homer, when it was administered to restore memory. Both traditional and modern uses also indicate that galantamine has value for the relief of muscle soreness3 and for anesthesia.4 Galantamine is different from donepezil and rivastigmine in one very important way. In addition to boosting acetylcholine levels by inhibiting the action of acetylcholinesterase, galantamine has the unique ability to increase the receptiveness of nicotinic receptors to acetylcholine. (Nicotinic receptors are one of the two major classes of neuronal acetylcholine receptors; the other class is called muscarinic receptors.) This gives galantamine a major advantage in combating the impairments caused by a decline in cholinergic function. GALANTAMINE TURNS BACK THE CLOCK Research has shown that galantamine's unique " one-two punch " has a profound effect on cholinergic function. In a new study of 592 patients who had vascular dementia or vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease, scientists in the United Kingdom found that, after taking 24 mg per day of galantamine for 12 months, the 396 patients in the treatment group had better cognitive abilities than when they started the trial.1 The cognitive functions measured were memory, orientation, reasoning, and language skills. The 196 patients in the control group were given a placebo for the first six months and were then switched to galantamine for the last six months. By the end of the first six months, their cognitive abilities had deteriorated. After receiving galantamine for the last six months, however, they rebounded and performed better on the cognitive tests than they had at the beginning of the study. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Research has shown that galantamine's unique " one-two punch " has a profound effect on cholinergic function, which is governed by the vital neurotransmitter acetylcholine. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- These results indicate that we may have underestimated the brain's regenerative capabilities. If we give our brains the right nutrients, it appears that we may be able to slow or even reverse the course of cognitive decline due to dementia. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We may have underestimated the brain's regenerative capabilities. With the right nutrients, we may be able to slow or even reverse the course of cognitive decline due to dementia. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also measured in this study were the patients' ability to perform routine daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and housework. Over the 12-month period, patients in both the treatment group and the control group experienced deterioration in these functions. The decline in the control group, however, was more than twice as great as that in the treatment group. It is reasonable to suppose that the control group's decline would have been greater still, had they not been taking galantamine for the last six months of the study. GALANTAMINE SAVES MORE THAN MONEY Besides the broad spectrum of side effects of donepezil (ARICEPT) and rivastigmine, one of the major drawbacks of these drugs is the relatively short duration of their effectiveness. Although they do boost acetylcholine levels, they become less effective the longer they're used. After about one year, the nicotinic receptors have become desensitized to ACh and no longer respond well to it. When that happens, the patient is almost back to square one, and dementia tends to accelerate. Unlike the prescription drugs, galantamine appears to have no limit on its ability to maintain the sensitivity of nicotinic receptors to ACh. Since the receptors continue to respond to ACh indefinitely, galantamine may help slow the progression of the dementia - with important financial as well as health consequences. According to a study conducted by the independent consulting firm Caro Research, galantamine treatment could save $3000 annually per patient compared to those receiving no treatment, owing to the diminished need for paid help.5 As a bonus, the patient's improved condition (relatively speaking) would surely lighten the emotional burden on caregivers. GALANTAMINE WORKS BETTER WITH CHOLINE AND VITAMIN B5 Since galantamine is a plant-based nutrient, it does not bring with it the usual baggage of unpleasant side effects that accompany donepezil and rivastigmine. Actually, galantamine's adverse effects are almost nonexistent, the worst being mild gastrointestinal problems.6 Research indicates that starting with 8 mg/day of (MUCH LESS FOR OUR KIDS!) galantamine and building up to 16 mg/day after four weeks will minimize these problems. Summary of Galantamine's Advantages Over Prescription Drugs It is increasingly apparent from the scientific literature on the treatment of dementias with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors that galantamine is the safest and most effective of these agents. Because galantamine is so beneficial in both vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease, it stands to reason that it should also help alleviate the far less severe symptoms of age-related cognitive decline (ARCD), the gradual dulling of our mental faculties as we grow older. The main advantages of galantamine over prescription drugs are: a.. Galantamine stimulates the nicotinic receptors in the brain's cholinergic system, thereby enhancing cholinergic function. Donepezil and rivastigmine do not. b.. Galantamine has no known limit on the duration of its effective use, as it does not appear to cause desensitization of nicotinic receptors. Donepezil and rivastigmine are effective for about one year. c.. Galantamine has few and mild side effects, whereas the common side effects of donepezil and rivastigmine include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, insomnia, flushing, hot flashes, skin rash, and tremor. d.. Galantamine is available without prescription whereas donepezil and rivastigmine are available only by prescription. The advantages of galantamine over the prescription drugs can be augmented by adding two other nutrients that help boost cholinergic function: choline and vitamin B5. Choline is a chemical precursor to acetylcholine, and vitamin B5, better known as pantothenic acid, is an essential cofactor for choline. PRESCRIPTION DRUG VS. DIETARY SUPPLEMENT FORMS OF GALANTAMINE The Belgian drug company Janssen Pharmaceutica received FDA approval in February 2001 for its drug Reminyl®, which contains galantamine but not choline or vitamin B5. Because Reminyl lacks these two ingredients, it may not be able to achieve the full potential of galantamine. Janssen has opted to market Reminyl as a prescription drug, which has shot the price into orbit and made it inaccessible except to patients who are under a doctor's care. Galantamine may optimize cholinergic function by maintaining ACh levels (through ACh production and AChE inhibition) and the sensitivity of nicotinic receptors. Galantamine is available without prescription to those who feel they might benefit from cholinergic stimulation. Because galantamine is not a drug and does not require FDA approval, the cost is much lower - about one-third that of Reminyl, in fact. THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF GALANTAMINE GOES A LONG WAY The effective serving size of galantamine is not the same for everyone. Some people may find that two capsules (16 mg) per day are sufficient to regain lost cognitive abilities, whereas others may need three capsules (24 mg) per day. If you encounter any gastric disturbance, reducing the amount taken for a few days will usually clear it up. Galantamine can do everything for you that the prescription drugs can do - and more - and you won't have to suffer with side effects. References www.AlzheimersTreatments.com 1.. Woodman R, Kmietowicz Z. Galantamine shows further promise in treating Aricept Dr. McCandless, , and all: Our pediatrician has just suggested the use of Aricept for our daughter. He said that there was a small study of its use in autism and 4 of the 9 participants showed benefit. Any comments? Thanks! Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 19, 2003 Report Share Posted December 19, 2003 It was Dr. Chez who did the study. I'm trying to find it in my files. Aricept Dr. McCandless, , and all: Our pediatrician has just suggested the use of Aricept for our daughter. He said that there was a small study of its use in autism and 4 of the 9 participants showed benefit. Any comments? Thanks! Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 19, 2003 Report Share Posted December 19, 2003 Thank you Dr. McCandless! I REALLY appreciate your feedback. Basically, our doctor wants to see if this will increase language. He told me that he's heard that it's really helped language and cognition. He has seen one child, whose mother claimed it really helped. I do know that University of Pittsburg is working on a study. The completed study I see on the internet concerning autism was done by Dr. Chez (I don't know if this is the study our doctor's quoting or not). In reading about an Alzheimer's study, it seemed as if the effects weren't lasting. I suppose they had to continue the med? I honestly don't have peace about starting this, yet. Also, some of the side effects concern g.i. symptoms, and I DON'T want to go there!! Her stomach's doing so much better. I'll read up on galantamine and be sure to give him this information. Thanks!!! Becky Aricept Dr. McCandless, , and all: Our pediatrician has just suggested the use of Aricept for our daughter. He said that there was a small study of its use in autism and 4 of the 9 participants showed benefit. Any comments? Thanks! Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 27, 2004 Report Share Posted April 27, 2004 This is very similar but actually improved from its prescription form to the nutrient Galantamine, which can be purchased over the internet I have tried this on several children in the 4mg dosage but have not been overly impressed with any benefit so far. However, one problem with me is that I do so many different things that it is difficult to tell sometimes what is working unless it's dramatic. However, I do add something new like this after other nutrients have all been stabilized, so I can tell if it has a negative reaction. I take it myself for anti-aging purposes and it has no side effects for me (I'm pretty sensitive) that I can tell. My use so far in kids is in far too small a number to have any significant data to report. My intuition (and I use that a lot in my work) is that it will help lower functioning children better and is quite safe. Dr. JM . aricept has anyone used this and if so what results have you seen? thanks Many frequently asked questions and answers can be found at <http://www.autism-rxguidebook.com/forums> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 29, 2004 Report Share Posted April 29, 2004 > > This is very similar but actually improved from its prescription form to the nutrient Galantamine, which can be purchased over the internet I have tried this on several children in the 4mg dosage but have not been overly impressed with any benefit so far. However, one problem with me is that I do so many different things that it is difficult to tell sometimes what is working unless it's dramatic. However, I do add something new like this after other nutrients have all been stabilized, so I can tell if it has a negative reaction. I take it myself for anti-aging purposes and it has no side effects for me (I'm pretty sensitive) that I can tell. My use so far in kids is in far too small a number to have any significant data to report. My intuition (and I use that a lot in my work) is that it will help lower functioning children better and is quite safe. Dr. JM > . aricept > > > has anyone used this and if so what results have you seen? thanks > > > > Many frequently asked questions and answers can be found at <http://www.autism-rxguidebook.com/forums> > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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