From the FDA Drug Label
Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders Hyperhidrosis
In one postmarketing report, one patient who had been taking 4 mg of galantamine daily for a week inadvertently ingested eight 4 mg tablets (32 mg total) on a single day Subsequently, she developed bradycardia, QT prolongation, ventricular tachycardia and torsades de pointes accompanied by a brief loss of consciousness for which she required hospital treatment Another patient, who was prescribed 16 mg/day of oral solution, inadvertently ingested 160 mg (40 mL) and experienced sweating, vomiting, bradycardia, and near-syncope one hour later, which necessitated hospital treatment.
Galantamine can cause hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and sweating as seen in postmarketing reports, which may be related to night sweats. However, the FDA drug label does not directly mention night sweats as an adverse reaction.
Regarding memantine, there is no information provided in the given drug labels.
It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice on potential side effects, including night sweats, associated with galantamine or memantine use 1 1.
From the Research
Both galantamine and memantine can potentially cause night sweats as a side effect, though this is not among their most commonly reported adverse effects. Galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor used for Alzheimer's disease, increases acetylcholine levels in the brain, which can affect the autonomic nervous system and potentially trigger sweating, including at night 2. Memantine, an NMDA receptor antagonist also used for Alzheimer's, has a different mechanism but can similarly cause sweating in some patients 3. Some studies have investigated the effects of these medications on sleep and cognitive function, but none have specifically addressed night sweats as a side effect 4, 5, 6. If you experience night sweats while taking either medication, it's essential to discuss this with your healthcare provider rather than discontinuing the medication on your own. They may recommend adjusting the dosage, changing the timing of administration, or switching to an alternative medication if the night sweats are significantly affecting your quality of life. Night sweats can also have many other causes unrelated to these medications, including infections, hormonal changes, or other medications, so a proper evaluation is crucial to determine if the medication is truly the cause. Key points to consider include:
- The potential for galantamine and memantine to cause night sweats as a side effect
- The importance of discussing any side effects with your healthcare provider
- The need for a proper evaluation to determine the cause of night sweats
- The possibility of adjusting the medication regimen to mitigate side effects.