What is Donepezil?
Donepezil helps improve the mental health of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease.Donepezil is not exactly the same for all individuals. Certain people who take donepezil experience enhanced mental performance, while others may experience a decrease or worsening mental performance.
Donepezil isn't a cure for Alzheimer's. The condition can worsen with time, even for those who are taking donepezil.Donepezil could also be used for different uses that aren't listed in this guideline for medication.
Side Effects Donepezil
See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or face,
Donepezil may cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Slow heartbeats;
- An feeling of lightheadedness similar to the feeling that you're about be sucked out.
- New or progressively worsening stomach pains, the sensation of heartburn, nausea, and vomiting;
- A seizure;
- Uncomfortable or difficult to urinate;
- New or progressively worsening breathing issues
- Symptoms of stomach bleeding, such as bloody or black stools and coughing up blood. vomiting that looks like coffee grounds.
Common adverse effects of donepezil could include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle pain;
- Sleep problems (insomnia);
- Feeling exhausted.
This isn't an exhaustive list of all the side effects. Other side effects could occur. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You may report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Follow the instructions on the label of your medication and the package. Inform your health care providers about your medical ailments and allergies, as well as the medicines you are taking.
Before you Take This Drug
Don't use donepezil if you have an allergy to it or any other medications. Inform your physician if you are allergic to any medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have ever suffered from:
- A heart rhythm disorder
- An stomach ulcer;
- Problems with urination;
- Asthma or another breathing disorder;
- Kidney or liver disease;
- A seizure;
- Difficulty taking tablets.
See your doctor if you are breastfeeding or expecting.
How to Take donepezil?
Follow the directions on your prescription label and review all medication guides and instruction sheets. Make sure you use the medicine exactly as prescribed.Dopeezil can be taken either with or without meals.Suck the normal tablet in its entirety and don't crush, chew, or break it.
Take the tablet that dissolves orally from the packaging only after the time is right to consume the medication. The tablet should be placed in your mouth, and allow it to dissolve without chewing. Drink several times until the tablet is completely dissolved. Once the tablet is completely dissolved, take a sip of water.
If you are in need of an operation or dental surgery, inform the dentist or surgeon prior to the time you're using donepezil. You might have to stop using the drug for a short period of time.Do not stop taking donepezil unless you have a doctor's recommendation.Place it in a cool, dry place free of heat and moisture.
Detail On Dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Alzheimer's Disease:
Initial dose: 5 mg taken orally every day during the evening before taking a nap.
Moderate to mild Alzheimer's disease:
Maintaining dosage: 10 mg taken daily, orally, after the patient has been taking the initial dose of 5 mg every day for 4 to 6 weeks.
moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease:
Maintenance dosage: 23 mg daily, orally, following the patient's being on 10 mg once per day for at least three months.
Comments: A dosage of 10 mg might or might not offer a significantly higher clinical benefit over a dose of 5 mg. The preferences of the doctor and patient must be taken into consideration.
Uses: To treat mild, moderate, or severe Alzheimer's dementia.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
Don't miss the dose you missed; take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take two doses at once.
If you do not take your medication for more than seven consecutive days, consult your physician prior to starting the medicine again.
What Happens If I Overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.
The signs of an overdose could include nausea, cr nausea sweating, blurred vision, feeling lightheaded, a slow heartbeat, and shallow breathing. It can also cause weakness of the muscles, fainting, or seizures (convulsions).
What should Be Avoided?
Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you are aware of how the effects of donepezil affect your body. The way you react could be affected.
Interaction with Other Drugs
Talk to your doctor prior to using a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) like ibuprofen, aspirin (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac, indomethacin, and meloxicam, among others. Utilizing an NSAID combined with donepezil can increase the risk of stomach ulcers.
Other medications can affect donepezil as well, including medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Discuss with your doctor your current medications and any other medications you take or stop taking.
