Generic Aricept

Aricept (Donepezil) is an oral medication used to treat Alzheimer's disease. It belongs to a family of drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors that also includes tacrine (Cognex). It is assumed that Alzheimer's disease may occur due to a deficiency in chemicals (neurotransmitters) used by nerves in the brain to communicate with one another. Donepezil slows down acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that causes destruction of one neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. This result in increased concentrations of acetylcholine in the brain, and the increased concentrations improve condition. Donepezil improves the symptoms but does not slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease. FDA approved Donepezil in 1996.

 

Developed by Eisai and its partner Pfizer, Aricept is indicated for the treatment of all stages of dementia (mild, moderate, and severe) related to the Alzheimer’s disease. However, the effectiveness of the drug may vary from person to person. Basically, you may experience three types of results: an improvement in symptoms, no change in symptoms (status quo), or slower progression of symptoms in comparison to without Aricept. You should remember one thing that Alzheimer’s gets deteriorated with the passing of time. So, if you have no change or slower deterioration of symptoms, it means that Donepezil is working.

 

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.

Generic aricept donepezil has also caused some side effects. The side effects of Generic Aricept are most likely to be minor and temporary. However there also some serious side effects that require medical attention. The patient has to notify the doctor or visit the nearest hospital immediately if they occur.

It is pertinent to note that side effects of Generic Aricept cannot be anticipated. If any side effects of Generic Aricept develop or change in intensity, the doctor should be informed as soon as possible.

Some of the most serious Generic Aricept side Effects may be abnormal dreams, arthritis, bruising, depression, dizziness, fainting, frequent urination, headache, pain, sleepiness and weight loss.

 

Through their main action, Generic Aricept Donepezil may increase the chances of gastric acid secretion caused by increased cholinergic activity. Hence, patients should be supervised strictly for symptoms of active or occult gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly those who develop ulcers, e.g., those with a history of ulcer disease or those receiving parallel nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).