What is Hydergine?

Hydergine® is a prescription oral medication used to improve symptoms and slow the onset of disorders that cause declining mental abilities. It is commonly prescribed for older patients with Alzheimer's disease or primary progressive dementia. When the drug is taken daily as directed by a physician, a patient can expect to notice improvements in memory and cognition. The risk of serious side effects and adverse drug interactions is low, but doctors still take care when prescribing Hydergine® to patients who have high blood pressure or heart disease to prevent potentially serious complications.

The three active ingredients in Hydergine® belong to a class of drugs called ergoloid mesylates. They work together to improve blood flow to the brain and promote healthy neural activity. Doctors and researchers do not fully understand how ergoloid mesylates influence cognition, but they appear to stimulate activity in the cerebellum and in the hippocampus, the brain's long-term memory center.

People who suffer from age-related dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or another primary degenerative mental disorder may be a good candidate for Hydergine®. Doctors occasionally prescribe the drug for older patients who suffer strokes, as it helps restore and stabilize blood flow. Some studies suggest that Hydergine® may be effective at improving symptoms in younger patients with attention-deficit disorder or behavioral problems, though it is not approved for such use in most countries.

Before a doctor prescribes Hydergine®, he or she will carefully review a patient's symptoms, medical history, and current medications. Hydergine® may impair or alter the function of medications for high blood pressure, diabetes, infections, and heart problems, so it is important for a patient to list all prescription and over-the-counter drugs he or she is taking. Patients are generally prescribed very low doses when starting new drug regimens so their physicians can monitor effects. Most people are instructed to take one milligram tablets or liquid capsules before meals three times a day. Specific dosage amounts may vary, however, based on a person's health and age.

Side effects may include nausea, stomach cramps, dizziness, and mild headaches that arise shortly after taking a dose. Signs of an allergic reaction to the drug, including hives, blurry vision, airway constriction, and chest tightness, need to be addressed at an emergency room. Allergic reactions are rare, but they can be severe if they are not treated right away. If milder side effects become a problem, an individual can speak with his or her doctor about adjusting dosage amounts or switching to another dementia medicine.