In general, Alzheimer’s medication can be taken with little impact on daily life. In fact, Alzheimer’s medication may help people who are experiencing debilitating symptoms of Alzheimer's disease to live a more normal life.

Most Alzheimer’s medications make the patient drowsy, especially when the course is first started. This may make it dangerous to drive a vehicle or operate machinery required for work. Alcohol often adds to the drowsiness, so patients may be advised to stop drinking alcohol.

Common side effects of Alzheimer’s medications, including those used to treat psychiatric problems, include:

• Gastrointestinal problems (upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea)
  
  
• Loss of appetite
  
  
• Fatigue
  
  
• Headache
  
  
• Dizziness
  
  
• Abnormal dreams
  
  
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
  
  
• Tremors
  
  
• Runny nose

Some Alzheimer’s medications may have more severe symptoms, which could include:

• Pain while urinating
  
  
• Blood in urine, stool or vomit
  
  
• Vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
  
  
• Seizures
  
  
• Slowed heartbeat
  
  
• Fainting
  
  
• Hallucinations

Patients who experience any of the above severe symptoms while taking Alzheimer’s medication should consult a physician immediately.