TABLE 1.

FDA approved drugs in the treatment of Alzheimer’s diseases.

Generic name	Target	Type	Treated for	Function	Possible side effects
Aducanumab Aduhelm	Beta-amyloid	anti-amyloid antibody intravenous (iv) infusion	Alzheimer’s disease	Enhances Memory, orientation language	Abnormal brain changes Headache Swelling in the brain
Cholinesterase inhibitors
Donepezil Aricept	Acetylcholine esterase	Oral drug	All stages of Alzheimer’s disease	Cholinergic transmission Increases synaptic availability of acetylcholine	Nausea Vomiting loss of appetite increased frequency of bowel movements. Stomach pain Weight loss
Rivastigmine Axelon	Acetylcholine esterase	Oral or transdermal patch	Mild-moderate Alzheimer’s disease	Treats dementia	Nausea Vomiting loss of appetite o Stomach pain Weight loss
Galantamine Razadyne	Acetylcholine esterase	Oral drug	Mild-moderate Alzheimer’s disease	Improves the function of nerve cells in the brain	Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Heartburn Headache Pale skin
Memantine Namenda	NMDA receptor antagonist	Oral drug	Moderate- severe Alzheimer’s disease	Increases normal brain functioning, memory, cognition	Headache Constipation Sleepiness Dizziness Aggression
Memantine + donepezil Namzaric	NMDA receptors	Oral drug	Moderate- severe Alzheimer’s disease	Restores neurotransmitters	Cramps Nausea Convulsions Difficulty in urinating
Suvorexant (Belsomra)	Orexin receptor antagonist	Oral drug	Mild-moderate Alzheimer’s disease	Improves behavior and psychological symptoms	Drowsiness Dizziness Headache Cough Diarrhea