Prescription Required
Description
What is Aricept (Donepezil) prescribed for?
Dementia is a general term for symptoms that coincide with a mental decline that interfere with an individual’s daily life. It is not a normal part of aging. The symptoms can include problems with memory, communication, and thought process. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. And Symptoms of Alzheimer’s begin slowly and get worse over time.
Aricept is used to treat the dementia, or rather the confusion that comes with dementia, that is related to Alzheimer’s disease. While it does not cure Alzheimer’s disease, it may improve memory, awareness and the ability to function. This medication blocks enzymes, and works by restoring the natural substances (neotransmitters) in the brain.
Read any information given to you by your doctor, and if you have any questions or concerns regarding this information, speak with your doctor and ask for their advice.
Directions
This medication is taken by mouth, with or without food. Often taken once daily, just before bedtime. However, if you experience sleep problems such as insomnia, talk to your doctor about switching to a morning dose.
If the patient is taking the 23 milligram strength tablet, swallow them whole. Do not split, crush, or chew on these tablets. Doing so may increase the risk of side effects.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce the risk of any side effects, your doctor will start this medication at a lose dose and gradually increase it over the next few weeks or months.
Cautions
Tell your doctor if you are allergic to donepezil or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Before taking this medication, inform your doctor of you medical history, especially of the following; breathing problems (such a asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) fainting, seizures, stomach/intestinal disease (such as ulcers, and bleeding), trouble urinating (such as an enlarged prostate)
Donepezil may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm known as QT prolongation. QT prolongation can rarely cause seriously fast/irregular heartbeats and other symptoms such as dizziness and fainting. Please seek medical attention right away if you are experiencing these symptoms.
Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite/weight loss, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, trouble sleeping, shakiness (tremor), or muscle cramps may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. These effects usually last 1-3 weeks and then lessen. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Tell your doctor right away if any of these serious side effects occur: trouble urinating, severe stomach/abdominal pain, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, seizures. And Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting.
FAQs
What is Aricept?
This medication is used to treat the dementia that is related to Alzheimer’s disease. What this medication is called is an enzyme blocker. So what is donepezil used for specially? Well it works by restoring the balance of a natural substance in the brain called a neurotransmitter. And while it may not cure Alzheimer’s, it may improve memory, awareness and the ability to function. Aricept comes in two different strengths which are 5mg and 10mg. If you have any questions regarding this medication or any inquiries in general, feel free to give us a call at our toll free number 1-877-385-8998.
How long does it take for Aricept to take effect?
This medication may take up to 12 weeks before it begins to take effect. All of this of course depends on the dose and it does vary from person to person.
What are the side effects of Aricept?
While these side effects may be common, they should still be taken seriously. So what are the side effects of taking donepezil? They are listed as follows; Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight loss, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, troubles sleeping, shakiness, and muscle cramps may occur as the body adjust to the medication. However, these effects usually only last 1 to 3 weeks and then lessen. If they persist or worsen you should then inform your doctor. Keep in mind that these are not the only side effects listed for this medication.
When should Aricept be taken?
Aricept is generally taken once a day, with or without food. And it is often taken in the evening just before bedtime. This medication should be taken at the same time every day. As to why is donepezil taken at night? This is because Aricept can cause irregular or slow heartbeat in some patients, which in turn can cause fainting. When taken at night, patients can then sleep through any of these side effects.
What is the generic name for Aricept?
The generic name for Aricept is Donepezil, and it was approved for medical use in the year 2010.
What class of drug is Aricept?
This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as “cholinesterase inhibitors”. They are chemicals that break down neurotransmitters within the brain.
Where to buy Aricept online?
Medicare lists Aricept under Tier 1 on their formulary. Tier 1 drugs are usually inexpensive generics. Meaning you may pay a low co-pay. However, you may also find a more affordable option on an online Canadian Pharmacy such as My Drug Center. We have a starting price of $43.00 for 84 pills.
Who makes Aricept medication?
Aricept is marketed by Eisai in collaboration with Pfizer. It first came onto the market in 1996.
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