Withdrawal from these medications needs to be monitored, especially if the patient has been on them for a long time. These medications are often used to decrease depressed mood, improve appetite and sleep, and increase energy and functioning. When they are prescribed, it may take several weeks to a month for them to take effect. Side effects can include drowsiness, dry mouth, urinary retention, congestion, delirium, blurred vision, constipation, tremors, weight gain, nausea, and dizziness. Patients on these drugs should have their blood pressure checked routinely in both the lying and standing positions.
High doses can lead to cardiac irregularities.
Drugs to improve memory and thinking Although many experimental drugs with the potential to improve memory and other basic thinking deficits in Alzheimer's disease are currently being investigated, only one drug has been approved for this purpose. The response to Cognex is usually modest, and a positive response is seen only in a minority of patients treated with the drug. Side effects can include liver damage in some patients, which is reversible when the drug is discontinued. Nausea may also occur.