- Used to treat the symptoms of dementia of Alzheimer’s
- Used to treat the onset of senility
- Used to treat primary progressive dementia
- Used to help recovery after a stroke
- Also used sometimes as a nootropic and an anti-aging medication
- Also sometimes used to treat vascular headaches
Hydergine is the brand name for the generic drug Ergoloid Mesylates and it is manufactured by Novartis. It is available in the form of tablets, liquid and liquid-filled capsules. The tablet is available in strengths of 1 mg, the capsule comes in a 1 mg strength too and the liquid has a strength of 1 mg/mL.
Indications
This drug is used to treat the symptoms of dementia in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s as well as other conditions that have dementia symptoms or symptoms of aging. It is also sometimes used to enhance memory or intelligence as well as to keep the brain young.
Action
Though one cannot exactly say how this drug works on the brain, it seems to protect the brain from oxygen deprivation and free radical damage. This drug helps the oxygen in the brain to neutralize the free radicals and this makes the brain younger and more alert. Ergoloid Mesylate is a rye-derivative and it is also believed to decrease the deposit of lipofuscin on the brain. Lipofuscin is the pigment that is associated with aging.
Side Effects
Most patients do not suffer from any side effects or even if they do, they are mild and they pass in a few days. There could be stomach upsets and nausea, maybe even vomiting but these just last a short while. However, some people do experience other side effects that can be very uncomfortable and sometimes serious. This could include prolonged nausea and vomiting, hypotension, rashes on the skin, a flushed look, blurred vision, nasal congestion and brachycardia or slowing down of the heartbeat to dangerous levels.
Caution
You must tell the doctor everything you can about the patient because the more he knows, the better he can prescribe. This drug might interact with other medication so you must give him an exhaustive list of what ailments the patient is suffering from, what medication he is taking, what vitamins and supplements he is being given, even if they are herbal or natural and what his symptoms are. He will need to know if there was any family history of cognitive impairment or memory loss and also whether the patient has a history of drug, alcohol or tobacco abuse. He would also like to be told about any allergies to medicines or to foods that the patient might have.
Contraindications
The patient could be allergic to the drug and maybe tests will have to be done before he can start a regular course. This drug is contraindicated in people with acute or chronic psychosis. This medication must be taken with food. It could make a person sleepy so care will have to be taken to avoid driving or working with heavy, dangerous machinery.