What is Aricept?
Aricept enhances the functioning of nerve cells within the brain. It does this by preventing the destruction of a chemical called acetylcholine (ah SEET, il KOE theen). People suffering from dementia typically suffer from lower amounts of the chemical, which is crucial for cognitive processes that affect memory, reasoning, and thinking.
Aricept is a medication used to treat moderate to mild Alzheimer's disease, which is due to Alzheimer's disease.Aricept isn't a cure for Alzheimer's. This condition is likely to worsen with time, even for those who are taking donepezil.
Warnings
Before you take Aricept, inform your doctor that you have an irregular heartbeat, such as "sick sinus syndrome" (slow heartbeats), as well as an overly large prostate, urinary issues, asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease, or a seizure disorder like epilepsy.If you require any kind of surgery, inform the surgeon in advance that you're taking Aricept.
Aricept may cause negative side effects that could affect your ability to think or react. Be cautious if you drive or engage in any activity in which you need to stay alert and aware.
Before You Take This Drug
It is not recommended to use Aricept if you are allergic to donepezil or other medications. Consult your physician if you have an allergy to one of the medications.
To be sure Aricept is suitable for you, inform your doctor if you suffer from:
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A heart rhythm disorder
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A history of ulcers in the stomach;
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An overly large prostate or urinary issues;
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Kidney or liver disease;
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Epilepsy or another seizure;
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Difficulties swallowing;
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Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or any other breathing disorder.
It is unclear if Aricept could harm an unborn child. Inform your physician if you are expecting or plan to become pregnant while taking the medicationIt is unclear if donepezil is absorbed into breast milk or if it can harm nursing babies. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding a child.
How to Take An Aricept?
You should take Aricept exactly as recommended for you. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Don't take this medication in smaller or larger quantities or for a longer time than the recommended time.It is possible to use Aricept either with or without food.Don't crush, chew, or tear the normal tablet. Take it in whole.
To consume the orally disintegrating tablets (Aricept ODT):
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Store the tablet in its blister package until you're ready to use it. Then open the package and cut or peel the backing of the tablet's blister. Don't press a tablet against the back, or you could harm the tablet.
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Dry hands are the best way to remove the tablet, then place it inside your mouth.
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Don't take the tablet in whole. Let it disintegrate in your mouth, but without chewing.
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Drink several times until the tablet melts. Once the tablet is completely dissolved, drink a glass of water.
If you require surgical or cosmetic dental treatment, inform the doctor ahead of time that you're taking Aricept. It is possible that you will need to stop taking the medication for a brief period of time.It is not recommended to stop taking Aricept without consulting your doctor.Keep at room temperature, free of heat and moisture.
Details On Dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Alzheimer's Disease:
Initial dosage: 5 mg orally every day at night before taking a nap.
Moderate to mild Alzheimer's disease:
Maintenance dosage: 10 mg daily, orally, following the patient's initial dosage of 5 mg twice per day for 4 to 6 weeks.
From moderately severe to very serious Alzheimer's disease:
Maintenance dosage is 23 mg by mouth daily. After this, the patient will be on a daily dose of 10 mg for at least three months.
Comments: A dosage of 10 mg could be a good choice, or it may not offer statistically significant clinical benefit over a dose of 5 mg. The preferences of the prescriber and the patient should be taken into consideration.
Uses: To treat moderate, mild, or severe Alzheimer's disease.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
You should take the dose you missed as quickly as you can. Avoid your missed dose if you are nearing the time for the next dose. Don't take any extra medication to make up for the missed dose.
If you do not take your medication for more than seven consecutive days, consult your physician prior to starting the medicine next time.
What Happens If I Overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.
The symptoms of an overdose can include extreme nausea, vomiting, drooling, blurred vision, sweating, feeling lightheaded, rapid heartbeat, deep breathing, fainting, muscle weakness, or seizures (convulsions).
What Should be Avoided?
The medicine could affect your reactions or thinking. Be cautious if you drive or engage in any activity that requires you to remain alert.
Side Effects Of Aricept
Get immediate medical attention. If you are experiencing symptoms of an allergy to Aricept, these may include hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.
Stop taking Aricept and consult your physician immediately if you are suffering from:
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Severe or ongoing vomiting;
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An euphoric feeling, similar to passing out;
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Slow heartbeats;
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Seizure (convulsions);
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Urination that is painful or difficult
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New or worsening breathing issues
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Signs of stomach bleeding: severe stomach pain or heartburn, bloody or tarry stools bleeding blood, coughing up blood, or vomit that appears like coffee grounds.
Common side effects of Aricept include:
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Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
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Lack of appetite
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Muscle pain;
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Sleep problems (insomnia);
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Feeling exhausted;.
This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and other effects may also be present.
Ask your doctor to get medical advice about any possibility of adverse
effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction With Other Drugs
Discuss with your doctor any medications you are taking, start taking, or stop taking in the course of treatment with Aricept, particularly:
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The NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)—aspirin, Ibuprofen, aspirin (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), as well as celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and more;
This list isn't complete. Other medications can be incompatible with donepezil, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines such as vitamins and herbal products. The interactions of all potential types are not included in this guideline for medication.
