Anticholinesterase Side Effects

Anticholinesterase or cholinesterase inhibitors are a class of drugs used to treat dementia associated with Alzheimers disease. This class of drugs works by increasing the amount of a chemical called acetylcholine in the brain. This may reduce the symptoms of dementia associated with alzheimers disease but does not cure it. Aricept is an anticholinesterase.

• Side Effects of Anticholinesterase

Central Nervous System Side Effects

• Headaches, abnormal dreams, depression, dizziness, changes in behavior, confusion, hostility and feeling faint are side effects of anticholinesterase medications on the central nervous system which includes the brain. Other side effects are difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, nervousness, seizures and excessive tiredness.

Cardiovascular System Side Effects

• The side effects of anticholinesterase drugs on the heart include, irregular heart beats or atrial fibrillation, increased blood pressure, chest pain, decreased blood pressure and slow heart beats.

Gastrointestinal System Side Effects

• Anticholinesterase medications can affect the digestive system by causing, black or tarry stools, red blood in stools, bloody vomit, vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds, diarrhea, nausea and loss of appetite.

Genitourinary System Side Effects

• Side effects of anticholinesterase medications on the urinary system are difficulty urinating or pain when urinating, inability to control urination and urinating frequently.

Other Side Effects

• Anticholinesterase drugs affect the joints causing joint pain, swelling or stiffness and muscle cramps. They also cause discoloration or bruising of the skin or red, scaling and itchy skin.