Generic Aricept

People suffering from Alzheimer’s disease have their nerve cells and life-sustaining chemicals lost over time. This happens in those portions of the brain that are responsible for memory and other cognitive processes. Acetylcholine is one such vital chemical that helps in transmitting messages from one nerve cell to another in the brain. The effect of Alzheimer’s disease can be felt in the form of impaired thinking and memory due to interruption of these messages between cells.

 

It is believed that Aricept (Donepezil) may help to inhibit the breakdown of acetylcholine and make sure this essential chemical is maintained in the brain at the desired level. To make this happen, you have to take Aricept pills regularly and properly as per the guidelines of your healthcare provider.

 

Aricept is usually supplied in the form of tablets or orally disintegrating tablets (ODT) and contains 5 or 10 mg of Donepezil Hydrochloride which is the active ingredient in this medication. Each tablet also contains inactive excipients such as carrageenan, mannitol, colloidal silicon dioxide and polyvinyl alcohol. In addition, you’ll find ferric oxide (yellow) as a coloring agent in the 10 mg tablet.

 

Like any other drugs, Aricept (Donepezil) has its own dosage guidelines. So, it would be a wise thing to abide by those guidelines for effective treatment. Take the medication in precise amount and frequency. Do not take overdoses of the drug or for longer period than prescribed by your doctor. You should also follow the instructions mentioned on the prescription label.

 

In case of any kind of surgery, inform your doctor beforehand that you are on Donepezil therapy. The doctor may instruct you to discontinue the medicine for a brief period of time. Aricept has an oral bioavailability of 100% and easily passes over the blood-brain barrier. As it boasts a half life of around 70 hours, it can be taken once per day. Most of the time, patients begin with 5 mg Donepezil per day which can be increased to 10 mg per day only after an adjustment period of 4 weeks as a minimum.

 

Aricept is generally taken at night before going to bed. You can take it with or without food as its absorption is not influenced by food. If you have insomnia or sleeping problems, you can consult your doctor about changing the dosage timing to the morning. Regular tablets can be taken with a full glass of water. However, Aricept ODT should be taken in the following manner:

 

Open the package and take the tablet out of the blister by peeling or cutting the backing. Make use of dry hands to place the tablet in your mouth. It will start to dissolve immediately. Refrain from swallowing the tablet and let it to dissolve on your tongue without chewing. As the tablet keeps on dissolving, swallow a number of times. Drink a glass of water as soon as the tablet melts completely. The full benefit of Aricept (Donepezil) may be experienced after a few weeks. So, take it regularly once a day.