Description 

Aricept (donepezil) is a drug that is used to treat mild to moderate dementia related to Alzheimer’s disease. It is not an Alzheimer’s disease treatment, but it reduces symptoms and helps improve memory, awareness, and the ability to function. It helps nerve cells in the brain operate better and works by blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter. This molecule, which is vital for memory, thinking, and reasoning, is frequently seen in reduced quantities in people with dementia. 

Aricept Mechanism of Action

• Aricept works by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase in a reversible manner. Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that degrades acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter. This drug may improve cholinergic function by allowing a higher concentration of acetylcholine in the brain. 

Aricept Dosing:  

Dose for Alzheimer’s Disease in Adults: 

• Initial dose: 5 mg orally once a day, just before going to bed. 

Alzheimer’s disease, mild to moderate: 

• After the patient has been on an initial dosage of 5 mg once a day for 4 to 6 weeks, the maintenance dose is 10 mg orally once a day. 

Alzheimer’s disease, moderate to severe: 

• Once the patient has been on a daily dose of 10 mg for at least three months, the maintenance dose is 23 mg orally once a day. 

Direction:  

• This medication must be taken exactly as directed by your doctor. Follow your prescription’s instructions to the letter. This drug should not be taken in bigger or lower doses or for longer than suggested. 
• You can consume this supplement with or without food. 
• The standard pill should not be crushed, chewed, or broken. It should be swallowed entirely. 

Aricept Side Effects:  

Some of the most prevalent side effects are as follows: 

• Nauseousness, vomiting, and diarrhea 
• Alack of appetite 
• Muscular ache; 
• Insomnia (sleep deprivation); or 
• Feeling tired 

Caution:  

• If you have a heart rhythm abnormality like “sick sinus syndrome” (slow heartbeats), an enlarged prostate, urinary difficulties, asthma, obstructive lung disease, or a seizure disorder like epilepsy, notify your doctor before using this medicine. 
• If you require surgery, let the surgeon know you are taking this drug ahead of time. 

• This drug can have adverse effects that make it difficult to think or respond. If you drive or do anything else that requires you to be awake and attentive, be cautious. 

Frequently Asked Questions:  

Are Namenda and Aricept the same?  

• Both medications are used to treat mild to moderate dementia in Alzheimer’s disease patients. 
• Namenda can delay the progression of symptoms in moderate and severe Alzheimer’s disease but cannot cure it, while Aricept (donepezil) can be used to treat dementia due to all stages of Alzheimer’s 
• The two belong to different types of drugs. Aricept is a cholinesterase inhibitor, while Namenda is an NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor antagonist that may be taken orally. 

 What is Aricept Generic Name?  

• The generic name of this medication is Donepezil.