Galantamine is a naturally occurring alkaloid derived from the small white flowering plant, Galanthus Caucasicus.

It acts as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, causing an increase in levels of the acetylcholine neurotransmitter that are present at synaptic receptors in the brain.

By increasing the availability of this neurotransmitter, studies have shown that you can improve functions related to memory, cognition and attention.

Recently, it has gained approval in the USA as a treatment for patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Although Galantamine cannot cure Alzheimer’s, it has been shown to be effective in slowing its progression in patients who are in the mild to moderate stages of the disease.

Where can you get Galantamine in the UK and is it legal to buy without a prescription?

Galantamine Information

Galantamine is prescribed under various brand names around the world. Some of these names are Nivalin, Razadyne, Reminyl, Lycoremine.

In the United Kingdom it is available under the drug name Reminyl.

Although Reminyl is only available with a medical prescription, the active ingredient, Galantamine hydrobromide, is available to anyone as a dietary supplement without a prescription.

Although it is not a common occurrence to have a substance which is both prescription and non-prescription at the same time, it does occur once in a while.

In the case of Galantamine in the UK, the herb had been previously available and widely used as a dietary supplement prior to a pharmaceutical company recognizing its effectiveness and marketing it as a treatment for a specific disease.

In the 1950s, researchers in Bulgaria were able to isolate and identify Galantamine as the beneficial component found among the alkaloids produced by a small white budding flower.

Since that time, Galantamine has been used to treat myasthenia (a neuromuscular autoimmune disorder), myopathy (a disease resulting in muscular weakness), and other sensory or motor dysfunctions. It has also found a place of prestige among nootropic users for the enhanced cognitive benefits it offers.

Galantamine works on two fronts at the same time in order to produce the nootropic effects the user experiences. First, it works to inhibit the effects of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). This enzyme breaks down Acetylcholine in the brain.

Acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter necessary for memory formation, sustained attention and learning ability. When Galantamine inhibits AChE, more Acetylcholine is available for the brain to use.

The second thing Galantamine does is accomplished by binding itself to the Acetylcholine receptor sites, helping them to become even more receptive to the Acetylcholine neurotransmitter.

Do I Need a Prescription For Galantamine in the UK?

No prescription is needed in the United Kingdom if you are buying the dietary supplement, Galantamine. For those wanting the brand name drug, Reminyl, a prescription is required.

Again, this is because Galantamine has been used widely for specific purposes prior to being co-opted by pharmaceutical corporations for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

The only differences notes thus far are that the prescription drug has been synthesized in a couple of forms which include time release coatings, making them somewhat unique in comparison to the dietary supplement.

Otherwise, there does not appear to be differences between the dietary supplement and the prescription drug, other than a significant price differential. (You will pay significantly more for Reminyl ER than you will for Galantamine powder.)

Where Can I Buy Galantamine in the UK?

Although UK residents are allowed to buy and use the dietary supplement Galantamine, it seems surprisingly difficult to find a reliable source for it within the country.

Many residents of the UK who use Galantamine, choose to purchase their supply from reputable online nootropic stores located in the USA. We recommend ordering in quantities equaling a 30-90 day supply to facilitate its passage through customs.

Dosage and Side Effects

The recommended dose for Galantamine is extremely small. New Galantamine users should begin with the smallest amount to determine if you have any allergies to the drug. Those with allergies to Daffodils should not take Galantamine.

Start off with 4mg and allow yourself to experience how your system interacts with this supplement. Until you know how your body and mind will respond to it, do not increase the dose. Most users take between 4mg-12mg daily.

Tolerance has been known to occur with regular use, though, so it is recommended you cycle this.

We recommend consulting with your doctor before taking Galantamine to make sure you do not have any medical conditions or medications which will interact poorly with it. Galantamine should not be taken with other cholinesterase inhibitors such as Huperzine-A.

Side effects experienced from Galantamine use are infrequent but can range from mild (loss of appetite, nausea, tiredness, dizziness, and headaches) to more serious (allergic reactions resulting in rashes, hives, bloody or black stools, swelling of the mouth, lips, or tongue). If you experience any of these side effects, cease taking the supplement and seek medical attention promptly.

Conclusion

Galantamine is available in the UK both as a non-prescription dietary supplement and as a prescription drug (Reminyl) used to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

There does not appear to be any difference in the active ingredient between the two, though the prescription drug is offered in a time-release formula which may be preferable to some people. Because buying Reminyl can be very expensive, it is often much more cost effective to get supplemental Galantamine in the UK.

Nootropic users in the UK often buy their Galantamine from online nootropic providers due to limited availability within the country.

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Article last updated on:by Nootriment