Generic Aricept

 

Introduction

 

Alzheimer’s disease is unfortunately very common nowadays affecting millions of people worldwide. This particular disease is a form of dementia which is actually an assortment of disorders that act upon the parts of the brain responsible for regulating memory, thought, and language of human beings. Patients with Alzheimer’s disease experience memory loss and face difficulty in carrying out daily activities. It is estimated that approximately 5.2 million people in the USA have this brain disorder which is expected to rise in the next five decades.

 

Generally, the older population having more than 65 years of age is vulnerable to this disease. But, the vulnerability percentage increases in people older than 75 years or 85 years. Alzheimer’s disease progresses slowly over time. Most of the time, the symptoms start to surface so slowly that it is erred for normal aging. However, the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease is possible with Aricept (Donepezil). As per the findings of various studies, Aricept retards the advancement of Alzheimer’s symptoms. It enhances cognition and slows the deterioration of overall function.

 

Class & Mechanism of Action

 

Donepezil with the brand name Aricept is an oral medication and can be categorized in a class of drugs known as cholinesterase inhibitors that also include Cognex (tacrine). Scientists doing research on Alzheimer’s disease are of the opinion that the disease originates from an insufficiency in chemicals called neurotransmitters, utilized by nerves in the brain to communicate with each other. Among many neurotransmitters, there is one called acetylcholine that is destroyed by an enzyme, acetylcholinesterase. The role of Aricept (Donepezil) is to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, thereby increasing the levels of acetylcholine in the brain. As a result, the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease get improved using Donepezil. The USA Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the medicine in 1996.

 

Indications & Usage

 

Aricept (Donepezil) is indicated for the treatment of confusion (dementia) of the Alzheimer’s type. It is quite effective in all patients, whether they have mild, moderate, or severe Alzheimer’s disease. It helps to improve a patient’s memory, cognizance, and the capability to function and slows down the progression of symptoms.

 

Dosage & Administration

 

The most recommended dosages of Aricept for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease are 5 mg or 10 mg administered once a day. However, the most effective dosage for severe condition is 10 mg taken once per day. Take Donepezil tablets orally with or without food, just before bedtime or as directed by your physician. If you’re taking an Aricept Orally Disintegrating Tablet (ODT), allow it to dissolve on the tongue and drink water afterwards. If you experience sleeping problems (insomnia) by taking the medication before bedtime, consult your doctor about altering to a morning dose. Regular use of the drug is very essential to get maximum benefits from it. You may have to wait for a few weeks to see the full effect of Donepezil. Inform your doctor if the condition doesn’t improve or gets worsened further.

 

Contraindications

 

Aricept is contraindicated in patients who have known hypersensitivity to Donepezil hydrochloride or to piperidine derivatives.