ARICEPT (DONEPEZIL)

Aricept Provides Help to Slow Mental Decline

Your doctor may prescribe Aricept if you have been diagnosed with dementia. Dementia is not a specific disease; it describes a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking and social abilities to the extent that it interferes with the ability to perform daily tasks. There are many causes for dementia symptoms, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common cause of progressive dementia. Signs of Alzheimer’s disease include confusion, memory loss, and poor judgment, as well as trouble making decisions and living independently.

How Aricept Works

Aricept is an enzyme blocking medication that is prescribed to help slow the mental decline in people who have dementia. Aricept or generic Donepezil belongs to a class of medications known as cholinesterase inhibitors. These drugs work by boosting levels of a cell-to-cell communication by providing a neurotransmitter (acetylcholine) that is depleted in the brain by Alzheimer's disease. The medication is available as a brand name as well as in its generic form, Donepezil. A valid prescription is required to purchase Aricept.

More About Alzheimer’s Disease

Although the causes of Alzheimer’s aren’t fully understood, its effect on the brain is clear. Alzheimer’s disease damages and kills brain cells. A brain affected by Alzheimer’s disease has many fewer cells and many fewer connections among surviving cells than a healthy brain does.

The onset of Alzheimer’s disease is believed to be caused by a breakdown in the brain chemical acetylcholine, as acetylcholine is responsible for higher-level reasoning. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease at this time, but Aricept may delay its progression by blocking the harmful breakdown process. Current Alzheimer's disease medications, such as Aricept and management strategies may temporarily improve symptoms. This can sometimes help people with Alzheimer's disease to maximize function and maintain independence for a little while longer.

What is the Active Ingredient in Aricept?

The active ingredient in Aricept is Donepezil. When you shop at NorthWestPharmacy.com, you have the option to buy Aricept or the less expensive generic Donepezil online. Generic drugs such Donepezil are less costly than brand name drugs and have the same active medicinal ingredients as their brand name counterparts. Generic Donepezil is available at a fraction of the cost of Aricept.

Before You Take Aricept

To ensure that Aricept is the right medication for you, your doctor will need to know whether you have a history of heart rhythm disorders, stomach ulcers, or urination problems. They should also be made aware of any asthma, epilepsy, or liver/kidney disease in your medical history. While taking Aricept or Donepezil generic, you will need to limit the use of alcohol. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Aricept Precautions

Donepezil can interact with other medications, herbs, or vitamins you might be taking. It is important that you avoid certain medications during your treatment. In particular, you should consult with your doctor about pain medications and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Combining these with Aricept may result in negative drugs interactions and more severe side effects, so do so only if your doctor instructs you. If you are unsure about how Aricept might interact with other medications that you take, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Possible Aricept Side Effects

• Stomach upset including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Pain and weakness in the muscles
• Insomnia and fatigue

You should stop using Aricept and contact your doctor if you experience any of the following more serious side effects: severe or ongoing vomiting; slow heartbeats; light-headed feeling; seizures.