Indications
Aricept (Donepezil) is a cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease. Donepezil is in a class of medications called cholinesterase inhibitors. It works by preventing the breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine for memory, attention, and other cognitive functions. Aricept may be used alone or in combination with other medications to treat Alzheimer’s disease.
Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease. By increasing the amount of acetylcholine in the brain, Donepezil can improve mental function such as memory, attention, and the ability to interact with others, speak, think clearly, and perform regular daily activities.
Donepezil is used to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, such as memory loss and confusion. It works by improving the patient's attention, memory, and ability to engage in their daily activities. It should be noted that this medication is not intended to be a cure for Alzheimer's disease or dementia, and the brand name of this medication is Aricept.
Uses and Dosage
Aricept (Donepezil) is available in the form of a tablet and should be taken by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily just before bedtime. Donepezil tablets should always be swallowed whole, and should not be split, crushed, or chewed. Doing so may increase the risk of side effects, as it can increase the rate of absorption of the medication. If you experience sleep problems (insomnia) or other side effects, talk to your doctor about switching to a morning dose or adjusting the dosage.
The usual starting dose of Aricept (Donepezil) is 5 mg by mouth once in the evening before bedtime. If needed, the dose can be increased up to a maximum daily dose of 10 mg for mild-to-moderate impairment or 23 mg for moderate-to-severe impairment. It is important to note that the dose should only be increased if the patient is not experiencing any adverse side effects and is responding well to the medication.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Aricept include:
- Diarrhea
- Feeling tired
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
- Sleep problems (insomnia)
- Vomiting
Serious Side Effects of Aricept Include:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Peptic ulcer—burning stomach pain, loss of appetite, bloating, burping, heartburn, nausea, vomiting
- Seizures
- Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue
- Stomach bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds
- Trouble passing urine
Form and Strength
Aricept and its generic alternative Donepezil are available in the following forms and strengths:
Aricept: Tablet
- 10 mg
- 23 mg
Donepezil: Tablet
- 10 mg
Caution
- Inform your doctor before taking Aricept if you have or have had any heart rhythm disorder, such as sick sinus syndrome (slow heartbeats), an enlarged prostate, urination issues, asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease, or a seizure disorder such as epilepsy.
- It is not known whether Aricept will harm an unborn baby, so it is important to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.
- Aricept can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Therefore, it is important to be careful when driving or doing anything that requires you to be awake and alert, as the medication can affect your ability to think clearly and react quickly.
- If you weigh less than 120 lb. (55 kg) and have or have ever had bleeding in your stomach or intestines; an ulcer; irregular, slow, or fast heartbeat, seizures; difficulty urinating; asthma; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (a group of lung disease including chronic bronchitis or emphysema); or kidney, liver, or heart disease, it is important to tell your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who should not take Aricept (Donepezil)?
People with known hypersensitivity to donepezil hydrochloride, or other ingredients in the formulation, should not take Aricept (Donepezil). It is also not recommended for people with certain conditions, such as severe asthma, narrow-angle glaucoma, or stomach ulcers.
Who should not take donepezil (Aricept)?
Do not take donepezil (Aricept) if you have ever had an allergic reaction to donepezil (Aricept) or a similar medication. People taking anticholinergic medications might also want to avoid donepezil (Aricept), as the two medications can work against each other.
What happens when you stop donepezil?
Abrupt cessation of donepezil treatment can lead to intense hallucinations and withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, irritability, and gastrointestinal issues. Discontinuation of donepezil may bring withdrawal symptoms, and abrupt termination of treatment should be done with caution.
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