Aricept
Donepezil
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Aricept
Aricept relates to the drugs called enzyme blockers. The medication mechanism of action provides restoration of neurotransmitters balance (these are natural substances) in the brain.
Therapeutic Uses of Aricept
Aricept is intended to treat such medical conditions as dementia (from mild to moderate confusion). However it doesn’t treat Alzheimer disease but it may make memory, awareness and the patient’s ability to function quite better.
Direction of use of Aricept
Aricept should be taken orally before, within as well as after the meal. However commonly it is used before going to bed or according to the doctor prescriptions. In case patient has insomnia then the drug use is commonly shifted to morning.
The medication should be taken on a regular basis to get the most benefit from it. Don’t change the dosage or stop therapy at all before primary consultation with the doctor. Commonly it needs several weeks for the drug to bring the most effect.
Contact your doctor in case your condition worsens.
Dose of Aricept, if Missed
In case you have missed to take the drug do it at the moment you have remembered about it. However if it is already the time for your next dosage of Aricept then you should skip the missed one and follow your common dosage schedule. Avoid taking two dosages at once.
How to Store Aricept
The drug should be stored at the temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) in a dark and dry place beyond the reach oh children and pets. Don’t keep the drug in the bathroom.
As soon as you don’t need the drug anymore – discard it properly. Do not flush it into the toilet or pour in drain unless the doctor directed you to do so. Otherwise contact your doctor to know how to discard the medication properly.
More Information About Aricept
You doctor probably already knows about all drugs you use thus don’t stop taking them and don’t start taking new drugs without previous talk to the doctor.
However, before starting Aricept therapy let your doctor know about any medication you use at the moment, especially such as: anticholinergic medications, aspirin, cholinergic drugs, cholinesterase inhibitors, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, carbamazepine, dexamethasone, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin.
In case you have any symptoms of overdose seek for the medical attention immediately. The Aricept overdose signs are - severe or persistent nausea/vomiting, excessive sweating, very slow heartbeat, slow or shallow breathing, seizures.
Avoid giving the medicine to anyone else.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Aricept
Before starting the Aricept therapy let your doctor know:
- in case you have any allergies
- your medical history (any breathing problems, heart diseases, seizures, stomach diseases and urinating problems
- about any drugs you use at the moment
- if you are pregnant or within breast feeding period.
Use the medication with caution in case you operate any machinery or your job requires alertness. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.
Possible Adverse Effects
The use of the Aricept may cause several side effects though many people taking this drug have no side effects at all.
Contact your healthcare provider in case you have following side effects for a long period of time:
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, tiredness, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, or muscle cramps.
Contact your doctor at once in case you experience any of the adverse effects below:
- mental/mood changes (depression), slow/irregular heartbeat, fainting, vision problems, more frequent urination/trouble urinating, weight loss.
Seek immediate medical attention in case you have following quite rare but too serious side effects:
- black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, severe stomach/abdominal pain, seizures.
The use of the medication may also cause serious allergic reactions. Contact your doctor in case you experience any of the following symptoms of allergic reaction:
- rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.