Aricept Medicine - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Aricept improves the function of nerve cells in the brain. It works by preventing the breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine. Aricept was first approved in 1996 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of early Alzheimer's disease. Benefits are usually greater for mild to moderate symptoms seen in the early stages of the disease. Generic donepezil tablets or orally-disintegrating tablets are not yet available.

Aricept Dosage

Adults-5 milligrams (mg) taken at bedtime. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose usually is not more than 10 mg a day. Children-Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Uses of Aricept

Aricept is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease. Aricept may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. Alzheimer's disease causes physical changes in the brain that disrupt the flow of information and interfere with memory, thinking, and behavior. Aricept can temporarily improve brain function in some Alzheimer's sufferers, although it does not halt the progress of the underlying disease.

Side Effects of Aricept

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect. upset stomach

* diarrhea
* difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
* vomiting
* muscle cramps
* excessive tiredness
* loss of appetite
* pain
* headache
* dizziness
* weight loss
* depression
* abnormal dream
* fainting
* slow heartbeat
* black and tarry stools
* red blood in stools
* bloody vomit
* vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
* difficulty urinating
* seizures

Drug Interaction :-

Drugs with anti-cholinergic properties that can cross into the brain, such as atropine, benztropine (Cogentin), and trihexyphenidyl (Artane) counteract the effects of donepezil and should be avoided during therapy with donepezil.

Overdose

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Overdosage with cholinesterase inhibitors can result in cholinergic crisis characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, salivation, sweating, bradycardia, hypotension, respiratory depression, collapse and convulsions.

Precautions : Should be used with caution in patients with:

* Heart problems - may have unwanted effects on heart rate
* Liver problems - Higher blood levels of donepezil may result and increase the chance of side effects
* Asthma or, lung disease or peptic ulcers, or history of or seizures, or history of or urinary tract blockage - Donepezil may make these conditions worse

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Alien writes for prescription drugs. He also writes for cymbalta and stress symptoms .

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