Aricept (Donepezil) Tablet

Aricept Tablet is used to treat mild to moderate dementia in Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive illness that gradually affects memory and thinking. It does not cure this illness but may help improve memory, awareness, and other symptoms.

Your doctor will explain how to take Aricept Tablet. You may take it with food, preferably at night before going to bed. Follow the instructions carefully to get the most benefit. The dose may change from time to time to suit your individual needs. It can take up to a few weeks for symptoms to improve so keep taking your medicine regularly. You should not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor.

Some common side effects of this medicine include nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, vomiting, muscle cramps, fatigue, and weight loss (anorexia). Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated. You may have side effects more often when you start your treatment or when your dose is increased. Usually, the side effects will slowly go away as your body gets used to the Aricept Tablet. If they are severe or will not go away, you should contact your doctor.

Before using Aricept Tablet, you should tell your doctor if you have ever had heart problems, stomach ulcers, epilepsy, or asthma. It may also affect, or be affected by, some other drugs you are using so let your doctor know what these are to be safe. During pregnancy, this medicine should only be taken if it is advised.

Uses Of Aricept Tablet

• Alzheimer’s disease

Benefits Of Aricept Tablet

In Alzheimer’s Disease

In people with Alzheimer’s disease, certain nerve cells die in the brain. This results in lower levels of a chemical called acetylcholine which helps nerve cells to communicate with each other. This leads to symptoms of dementia such as memory loss, confusion, disorientation, problems with speech and language, and personality changes. Aricept Tablet increases the amount of acetylcholine and helps brain cells to communicate. It can, therefore, improve some of the symptoms such as memory, awareness, and the ability to carry out daily functions for a time. However, it is not a cure. You should use the medicine exactly as prescribed. It can take several weeks for your symptoms to improve; so keep using the medicine even if you do not think it is working.

Side Effects Of Aricept Tablet

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them.

Common Side Effects Of Aricept

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
• Vomiting
• Muscle cramp
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

How To Use Aricept Tablet

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Aricept Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How Aricept Tablet Works

Memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease occurs due to disturbances of signal transmission in the brain. Aricept Tablet is a cholinesterase inhibitor. It works by increasing the levels of a chemical messenger (acetylcholine) involved in transmmission of nerve signals. This improves memory and thinking.