Aricept (Donepezil) is a drug, which is used to treat dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Donepezil is sold as a brand name Aricept. Aricept (Donepezil) is a reversible inhibitor of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, chemically known as (±)-2,3-dihydro-5, 6-dimethoxy-2- [[1-(phenylmethyl)-4-piperidinyl] methyl]-1H-inden-1-one hydrochloride. In this disease, some cells of the specific regions of the brain die. Its chemical formula is C24H29NO3HCl and a molecular weight is 415.96. It is a white crystalline powder and easily soluble in water.
Aricept is indicated as the treatment for mild, moderate and severe dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. Aricept is well tolerated but may not be acceptable to everyone. People at risk for stomach ulcers or who take certain medicines should tell their doctor. Some people may have muscle cramps or loss of appetite or may feel tired. Usually mild and temporarilyDonepezil medication is used to treat mild to moderate confusion related to Alzheimer’s disease. Use this Aricept medication regularly in order to get the most significant result. Do not stop taking it or increase the dosage unless your doctor prescribed you. This dosage may increase to 10 mg for the next weeks. But it’s not the clear decision of this higher dosage that is beneficial because it may cause side effects. You should have to consult with doctors for this. It does not cure Alzheimer’s disease, but it may improve memory, awareness, and the ability to function. This Aricept medication is an enzyme blocker that works by restoring the balance of natural substances (neurotransmitter) in the brain.

The basic dosage of donepezil is 5 mg taken at night at bedtime.
It should be taken for 4 to 6 weeks. Take this medication orally once daily with or without food, just before bedtime, or as directed by the physician. If you experience sleeping problem (insomnia) talk to a doctor to change it into morning Aricept dosage. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most significant result. Do not stop taking it or increase the dosage unless your doctor prescribed you. This dosage may increase to 10 mg for the next weeks. But it’s not the clear decision of this higher dosage that is beneficial because it may cause side effects. You should have to consult with doctors for this.

There are so many side effects faced by more than 5% of people taking donepezil.

Difficulties like sleeping, nausea, dizziness, muscle cramps, headache, diarrhea or other pains.

Nausea, Diarrhea and vomiting occur due to high dosage of 10-mg dose rather than the 5-mg dosage.

Other Aricepts Side effects are depression, abnormal dreams, drowsiness, and loss of appetite, fainting, weight loss, arthritis, frequent urination and easy bruising.

If you take succinylcholine, a drug commonly used during anesthesia, with donepezil, muscle paralysis may result which will be prolonged.

Aricept treatment is indicated as the treatment for mild, moderate and severe dementia of the Alzheimer’s type.

Aricept is well tolerated but may not be acceptable to everyone. People at risk for stomach ulcers or who take certain medicines should tell their doctor.

Some people may have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bruising or not sleep well.
Some people may have muscle cramps or loss of appetite or may feel tired.
In studies these were usually mild and temporarily.

Aricept (Donepezil) may be altering the action of so many other drugs as well as other drugs can alter the effects of donepezil. Drugs such as ketoconazole, bethanechol, dexamethasone, dicylomine, phenytoin, rifampin may effect the donepezil and also cause some side effects. When no steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen donepezil are used together, there may be a tendency to develop stomach ulcers.

Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, sweating, slow pulse rate, dizziness, lightheadedness, slow breathing and seizures. If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

If you take Aricept (Donepezil) once a day at bedtime and miss the dose, do not remember to take until next morning then skip the missed dose. Do not take the dose in the morning or take two doses at once.

It is a white crystalline powder and easily soluble in water.
Aricept is indicated as the treatment for mild, moderate and severe dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. Aricept (Donepezil) is well tolerated but may not be acceptable to everyone.

Aricept (Donepezil) medication should be stored at a room temperature in a tightly closed container. It should be protected from light and moisture. Throw it away after the expiration date. Never keep it in excess heat, light and moistures.