Brand Name: Aricept®
Generic Name : Donepezil (doe-NEP-ah-zil)
FDA Drug Classification : Dementia symptoms treatment adjunct.
Action: Treats the symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Donepezil will not cure Alzheimer's disease, and it will not stop the disease from getting worse. However, it can improve thinking ability in some patients.
Adverse Effects : Diarrhea; loss of appetite; muscle cramps; nausea; trouble in sleeping; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomiting
Abnormal dreams; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; fainting; frequent urination; headache; joint pain, stiffness, or swelling; mental depression; pain; unusual bleeding or bruising; weight loss
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
Interactions : When you are taking donepezil, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines.
More Information: Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive disease leading to complete disability and inevitable death. There is no cure. Aricept helps to treat some of the symptoms and can slow the progression of the disease, but it does not reverse the brain damage that occurs as a part of the disease.
