Generic Aricept

 

 

Aricept with the generic name Donepezil is the most prescribed medication for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Various researches have confirmed the effectiveness of Aricept in averting the adverse impacts of this brain disorder. People often ask about its mechanism of action and its lastingness in the body.

 

Aricept received the approval of the FDA for the treatment of mild and modest Alzheimer’s disease in 1996. In 2006, it was also approved for use in the treatment of severe Alzheimer’s, thereby covering all stages of dementia (mental deterioration) related to this disease. Aricept (Donepezil HCl) is manufactured and marketed by Eisai and its partner Pfizer. This prescription drug is supplied only in 5 mg and 10 mg tablets.

 

The mechanism of action of Donepezil is all about inhibiting the breakdown of a certain chemical called acetylcholine in the brain. A lower level of acetylcholine disrupts the brain’s ability to transmit messages from on cell to another. This leads to Alzheimer’s disease that keeps on deteriorating over time, resulting in breakdown of cells that regulate vital body functions. As a cholinesterace inhibitor, Aricept helps in keeping a tab on this breakdown.

 

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America has revealed some staggering facts such as one in every eight persons above the age of 65 is suffering from one of the three stages of Alzheimer’s and the disease is the sixth leading cause of death. Once a patient is diagnosed for this disorder, his or her average life span is somewhere around 11 years. But, it can range from 2 to 20 years. Aricept (Donepezil) makes the victim’s life healthier and happier and adds some more years to his/her lifespan.

 

How long does Aricept continue to benefit us? It is very difficult to answer this question as different patients experience a different rate of advancement of the disease. But, we can draw a conclusion that Aricept must be continued for the lifespan of the patient, because if you discontinue it, the brain cells further degrade, letting the disease to progress.

 

Whether you’re a caregiver or patient, you should work in tandem with your doctor to ensure that you always have the latest information on Alzheimer’s disease at your disposal as well as any new medications or evolutions.

 

Before beginning the Donepezil treatment, you should inform your doctor about a number of ailments you are suffering from. These include an enlarged prostate, problems in urination, a heart rhythm disorder such as sick sinus syndrome (slow heartbeat), obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, or a seizure disorder like epilepsy. In such cases, your healthcare provider may alter your doses or prescribe you to do certain tests for safe use of Donepezil.

 

If you are due for any kind of surgery, tell your surgeon well in advance that you’re taking Aricept (Donepezil). Some of the side effects of Donepezil may hamper your thinking or reactions. So, you need to be extra cautious while driving or performing any activity that calls for a high degree of alertness and awareness.