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Donepezil

Uses

Donepezil is used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and dementia associated with Parkinson's disease. It should be administered to patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease.

How it Works

How Donepezil works Memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease occurs due to disturbances in signal transmission in the brain. Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor that works by increasing the levels of a chemical messenger, acetylcholine, which is involved in the transmission of nerve signals. This enhancement improves memory and cognitive function.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Donepezil include nausea, diarrhea, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), weight loss, and accidental injury.

Expert Advice

  • You have been prescribed Donepezil to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
  • It does not cure Alzheimer's disease but may help improve brain function and the ability to perform daily activities.
  • Take it with or without food, preferably at night before going to bed.
  • Possible side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated while taking Donepezil.
  • Monitor your body weight regularly, as both Donepezil and Alzheimer's disease can lead to weight loss.
  • Do not drive or engage in activities that require mental focus until you understand how Donepezil affects you.
  • Exercise caution while taking this medication if you have a peptic ulcer, as it may cause vomiting, stomach bleeding, stomach pain, or discomfort.
  • Inform your doctor if you develop muscle tremors, especially if you have Parkinson’s disease.
  • Notify your doctor if you experience seizures or convulsions while taking this medication.

Other Combinations

Donepezil + Memantine

Frequently asked questions

Yes, insomnia is a common side effect of Donepezil, along with dizziness and fainting. While these side effects are frequent, they do not affect everyone.
Donepezil does not cause depression; any symptoms may stem from the underlying Alzheimer's disease.
Patients with hypersensitivity to Donepezil hydrochloride, piperidine derivatives, or any active ingredients in the medication should not take Donepezil. It should also be avoided during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary.
Hallucinations can occur as a side effect of Donepezil, although not everyone experiences them. Other psychiatric side effects may include agitation, aggressive behavior, nightmares, and abnormal dreams.
Consult your doctor before stopping Donepezil, as it helps manage your condition but does not cure it. If your condition worsens or you feel it is ineffective, seek medical advice before discontinuation.
Donepezil is eliminated from the body slowly, taking approximately two weeks or more for complete removal.
Donepezil is advised to be taken before bedtime to minimize gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, which are often experienced by some patients during the initial weeks of treatment.
Improvement in cognitive function may be noticeable within the first month of Donepezil treatment, but full benefits typically manifest after about 12 weeks.
Donepezil does not interfere with indomethacin, but long-term use of indomethacin may increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Consult your doctor if you notice any symptoms of bleeding.
Gastrointestinal side effects may occur in the first few weeks of Donepezil treatment but can be alleviated by taking the medication at bedtime and with food. These side effects are generally mild and tend to resolve within a few weeks.
Taking more than the prescribed dose of Donepezil can lead to serious symptoms such as vomiting, increased sweating, slow heartbeat, dizziness, breathing difficulties, seizures, weakness, low blood pressure, convulsions, and incontinence. Seek immediate medical assistance if this occurs.
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