What is Donepezil?
Donepezil is a drug that is used to treat Alzheimer's disease. It is marketed under the brand names Aricept and others. It tends to enhance mental function and the ability to function in a minor way. However, there hasn't been any evidence that using it slows down the development of the disease. If there is no benefit, care should be stopped.
Donepezil Uses
Donepezil is a drug that is used to treat Alzheimer's disease-related confusion (dementia). It is not a cure for Alzheimer's disease, but it can help with memory, perception, and work. This medicine is an enzyme inhibitor that acts by restoring the balance of natural substances in the brain (neurotransmitters).
How to use donepezil oral?
- Before you start taking donepezil, and each time you get a refill, read the Patient Information Leaflet if one is available from your pharmacist. Inquire with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any doubts.
- Take this drug by mouth once a day, just before bedtime, as instructed by your doctor, with or without food. Speak to your doctor about switching to a morning dose if you're having trouble sleeping (insomnia).
- Take the 23-milligram strength tablets whole if you're taking them. These tablets should not be cut, crushed, or chewed. It is likely that this will raise the risk of side effects.
- Dosage is based only on your medical condition and treatment reaction. Your doctor will start you on a low dose of this drug and gradually increase it over weeks to months to reduce the risk of side effects (such as nausea and diarrhea). Carefully follow the doctor's orders. Do not raise your dosage or take this medicine more often than recommended.
- If you miss 7 or more days in a row without taking donepezil, consult your doctor before beginning again. To - the risk of side effects, you may need to start with a lower dose.
- To get the most satisfaction from this drug, take it on a daily basis. Take it at the same time every day to help you remember. You do not quit taking it until your doctor orders you to. It could take a few weeks before you see the full effect of this medication.
Donepezil Side Effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Not sleeping well
- Vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness
- Eat less
- Having a poor appetite
- Bruising
- Weight loss
- Slow heart rate
- Stomach ulcers
- Bleeding
- Heartburn
- Stomach pain that won’t go away
- Blood in your vomit
- Dark-colored vomit like coffee grounds
- Bowel movements that look like black tar
- Worsening of lung problems
- Other lung diseases
- Seizures
- Trouble urinating
Precautions
- If you are allergic to donepezil or have some other allergies, notify your doctor or pharmacist before taking it. Inactive ingredients can be found in this product, triggering allergic reactions or other issues. For more information, talk with your pharmacist.
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have ever experienced any of the following medical conditions: respiratory difficulties (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), fainting, seizures, stomach/intestinal disease (ulcers, bleeding), or difficulty urinating (such as enlarged prostate).
- This medication can cause dizziness or drowsiness. You can feel dizzy or sleepy if you ingest alcohol or marijuana (cannabis). Do not drive a vehicle or run machinery. This medication can cause dizziness or drowsiness. You can feel dizzy or sleepy if you consume alcohol or marijuana (cannabis). Do not drive, operate machinery, or engage in any other operation that involves alertness until you are confident you can do so safely. Limit your consumption of alcoholic drinks. If you use marijuana, talk to your doctor (cannabis). Donepezil has been related to a heart rhythm disorder (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (including extreme dizziness and fainting) that require urgent medical attention.
- If you have any medical conditions or are taking other medications that may induce QT prolongation, the risk of QT prolongation may be increased. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any of your medications and whether you have any of the following conditions before taking donepezil: certain heart attacks (heart failure, sluggish pulse, EKG QT prolongation), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).
- Tell your doctor or dentist of all the things you use before surgery (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
- The drug's side effects, especially QT prolongation, maybe more serious in older adults.
- This drug should only be taken during pregnancy if absolutely necessary. Consult your doctor about the risks and benefits.
- It is unclear whether or not this medicine moves into breast milk. Before you do breastfeeding, once talk to your doctor.
- QT prolongation can also be caused by low potassium or magnesium levels in the blood. If you use certain medications, such as diuretics/water tablets, or if you have conditions like excessive sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting, the risk can increase.
Interactions
- Drug interactions can cause your drugs to function differently or put you at risk for severe side effects. This list does not cover all potential drug interactions. Keep a list of all you use (including prescription and nonprescription medications, as well as herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Without your doctor's permission, do not begin, stop, or change the dosage of any medications.
- Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are two things that may interfere with this medicine (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen).
- Since several drugs include pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as aspirin), read both prescription and nonprescription drug labels carefully.
- Many drugs contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen) that, when coupled with donepezil, can increase the risk of stomach/intestinal bleeding. Check all prescription and nonprescription drug labels carefully. Low-dose aspirin should be continued as recommended by your doctor for particular medical purposes such as heart attack or stroke prevention (typically at dosages of 81-325 milligrams per day). For more details, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not offer this drug to someone else.
To monitor for side effects, your doctor can check your weight on a regular basis.
Missed Dose
If you skip a dose, take it as soon as you know. Daily, take the next dose at the same time. Do not get all the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store away from direct light and moisture at room temperature. Keep out of the shower. Both drugs should be kept out of sight of kids and pets. Unless otherwise directed, do not flush or spill drugs down the toilet or into a drain. When this commodity has expired or is no longer required, properly dispose of it. For more information about how to properly dispose of your prescription, contact your pharmacist or a local waste disposal company.
Donepezil vs Memantine
Donepezil |
Memantine |
|---|---|
| Donepezil is sold as the trade name Aricept | Memantine oral tablet comes in both brand-name and generic form. |
| Donepezil is used to treat Alzheimer's disease. | Memantine is an Alzheimer's disease drug used to treat moderate-to-severe symptoms. |
| Molecular Formula: C24H29NO3 | Molecular Formula: C12H21N |
| Molar mass: 379.492 g/mol | Molar mass: 179.3 g/mol |
