Dimebon (Latrepirdine) is a prescription medication undergoing clinical trials for its effectiveness in treating people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Huntington's disease (HD), which has shown many positive effects with improvements in memory, cognition, and activities of daily living. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive degenerative brain disorder that gradually destroys people's memory, and it reduces their ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate, and carry out daily activities. Latrepirdine is an antihistamine previously used to treat allergies. The active ingredient in Dimebon is Latrepirdine. Latrepirdine belongs to the class of medicine called first-generation antihistamine (H1 antagonist). It works by regulating the activity of certain channels and neurotransmitter systems, including L-type and voltage-gated calcium channels, AMPA and NMDA glutamate receptors, a-adrenergic receptors, and serotonergic or dopaminergic receptors, thereby protecting brain cells from damage and enhances brain cell survival by stabilizing and improving brain function.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Dimebon (available soon) from Canada manufactured by Pfizer. The generic Latrepirdine is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Dimebon. The most common side effects of Dimebon may include the following:
• Depression or low mood;
• Dry mouth;
• Sleep problem
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Muscle weakness and rigidity;
• Thought of harming yourself;
• Worsening of your symptoms
These are not all of Dimebon's side effects. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
Before using Dimebon, inform your doctor if you are currently on medications for treating Alzheimer's or Huntington's disease. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant;
• Have depression or mental problems;
• Have a heart problem;
• Have kidney disease;
• Have liver disease
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Dimebon is under clinical trial and has no known drug interaction; however, do not use it with other Alzheimer's medications. Tell your if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is unknown if the Dimebon medication can harm a growing baby. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. You should discuss the risks and benefits of using this medication while breastfeeding a baby. Use this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes. Dimebon is a tablet and should be taken orally with a cup of water. It would be best if you did not use Dimebon with other antihistamines. Do not use more than your prescribed dosage. Discuss with your doctor if there is no improvement in your symptoms or if your symptoms worsen.