Aricept

The active ingredient in Aricept is donepezil hydrochloride. Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine. Aricept belongs to a class of medications known as cholinesterase inhibitors. Its mechanism of action works to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, which increases the quantity in your brain to help treat symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease like memory loss and confusion.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Aricept. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Aricept:

• Take as directed by your physician.
• If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
• Initial dosing: 5 mg tablet orally once a day.

The most common side effects of donepezil include:

• Diarrhea.
• Tiredness.
• Headache.
• Abnormal dreams.
• Loss of appetite (anorexia).
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Dizziness.
• Muscle cramps.
• Trouble sleeping.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Aricept. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Severe allergic reactions - skin rash, itching, hives, swelling.
• Peptic ulcer and bleeding - burning stomach pain, bloating, burping, heartburn, bloody or black, tar-like stools.
• Seizures.
• Severe nausea.
• Heart rhythm problems (slow heartbeat).
• Slow heartbeat - dizziness, feeling lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual fatigue, chest pain.
• Trouble passing urine.

These are not all of the possible adverse events with Aricept. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Aricept, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Heart problems or heart disease.
• Lung problems (asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease).
• Seizures.
• Kidney problems or difficulty passing urine.
• Trouble swallowing tablets.
• Planned surgery, medical procedures, or dental surgery or procedures.
• Head injury.
• Liver disease.
• Stomach or intestinal disease (stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding).
• An allergic reaction to donepezil.
• Pregnant.
• Breastfeeding.

• Previous hypersensitivity/allergic reaction to donepezil.

It takes at least 2 weeks for Aricept to start working. It may take a few weeks or months before you notice any improvement in cognitive function.

When Aricept is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - (ibuprofen, naproxen).
• Phenytoin.
• Anticholinergic medications, which include antihistamines and medications indicated for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (rivastigmine and galantamine).
• Anesthesia given to you by your healthcare provider during surgery, medical procedures, or dental procedures.
• Cholinergic medications.

Aricept comes in a variety of dosage forms, including:

• Transdermal patches - 5 mg/day and 10 mg/day.
• Oral tablets - 5 mg, 10 mg, and 23 mg.
• Orally disintegrating tablets (ODT) - 5 mg and 10 mg.

Store this medication at room temperature and keep out of the reach of children.

Eisai Inc. is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Aricept.

There are lower-cost generics available for the brand name Aricept.

Do not stop or adjust your use of this medication without first consulting with your doctor. Stopping this medication suddenly can worsen your condition.

It is not known whether Aricept will harm an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

It is unknown whether Aricept passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.