- Used to treat Alzheimer’s dementia from mild to moderate to advanced
- Used in the treatment of other forms of dementia
- Sometimes used to improve speech in autistic children
- Also used in other diseases where there is cognitive impairment
Aricept is the brand name for the generic drug Donepezil and it is manufactured by Pfizer. It is available in two kinds of tablets – film-coated ones and quick disintegrating ones. They are both available in strengths of 5 mg and 10 mg. The 5 mg tablets are white and the 10 mg ones are yellow.
Indications
This drug is used to treat dementia symptoms which are mild, moderate or advanced and caused due to Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s cannot be cured but with newer drugs being introduced, many of its symptoms can be managed and that is what this drug does so well. This drug is also being researched in a host of other diseases where there is cognitive impairment and there are some positive results in some areas.
Action
This drug prevents the breaking down of acetylcholine in the brain and this improves the functioning of the nerves. This chemical is important for reasoning, thinking and remembering. Aricept belongs to a class of drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors and its action increases the amount of acetylcholine in the brain. It also seems to increase the action of this chemical and it makes the receptors that it comes into contact with more responsive. This drug can very easily cross the blood-brain barrier which is what makes it effective.
Side Effects
Most people do experience a few minor side effects which go away in a few days or maybe a couple of weeks. This could be nausea and vomiting, insomnia, stomach upsets and loss of appetite. In some cases, however, the side effects could be severe and you will have to call the doctor immediately. There could be severe hives or itching, shortness of breath, swelling of the throat or face, difficulty in passing urine, coughing up blood, bloody stools or seizures.
Caution
Your doctor will want to know the patient’s history and also if he is allergic to any medication. It would be advisable to share the person’s full medical history with the doctor, taking care to mention whether he suffered from stomach ulcers, prostrate problems, seizures or epilepsy or any respiratory disease like asthma. Any of these conditions will need a dose adjustment and monitoring. The doctor should be told exactly what medications the patient is currently taking so that he can prescribe medication that does not cause any reaction.
Contraindications
This medication should not be taken by anyone who is allergic to the drug. It should also not be taken when you are on medication that could react to it. This is why you need to tell your doctor every medication that the patient takes, even if it is a simple pain-killer. It should be used with great caution for patients with cardiac problems, COPD, seizures, asthma and irregular heartbeats.