Aricept

Aricept, with generic name donepezil, is an oral prescription to treat Alzheimer's disease. It belongs to a class of drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors which includes tacrine (Cognex). It is believed that Alzheimer's disease may result from a deficiency in chemicals (neurotransmitters) used by nerves in the brain to communicate with one another. Aracept inhibits acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme which is responsible for the destruction of one neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. This leads to increased concentrations of acetylcholine in the brain, which are believed to be responsible for the improvement seen during treatment with donepezil.

Used by healthy individuals as brain booster, Aricept helps in learning and for effective memory enhancement.


Medications and Prescriptions
Generic name: Donepezil

Product Brand Name: Aricept ®

Product Manufacturer: Pfyzer
Aricept description:
Why is this drug prescribed?
This medicine is regarded as one of the few drugs that can provide some relief from the symptoms of early Alzheimer's disease. (Cognex, Exelon, and Reminyl are others.) As Alzheimer's disease causes physical changes in the brain that disrupt the flow of information and interfere with memory, thinking, and behavior, Aricept can temporarily improve brain function in some Alzheimer's sufferers. However, it does not stop the progress of the primary disease.
Most important fact about this drug:

Aricept must be taken regularly to maintain any improvement. If the drug is stopped, its benefits will soon be lost. It has slow effect because it can take up to 3 weeks for any positive effects to appear.

How should you take this medication?

Aricept is to be consumed once a day just before bedtime. Unless Aricept is not taken regularly, it won't work. It can be taken with or without food.
If you miss a dose, have it the moment you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one that was missed and revert to the regular schedule. You should not double the dose.

Storage instructions:
It should be stored at room temperature.

What side effects may occur?
Diarrhea, fatigue, insomnia, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, nausea, and vomiting are some the symptoms which are likely to occur. These are only mild and gets better as treatment continues. However, if you develop or experience any change in intensity, tell the doctor as soon as possible. Side effects are more likely with higher doses.

Other side effects may include fainting, frequent urination, headache, pain, sleepiness, weight loss, abnormal dreams, arthritis, bruising, depression and dizziness.
Why should this drug not be prescribed?

There are two reasons to avoid Aricept: an allergic reaction to the drug itself, or an allergy to the group of antihistamines such as Optimine, Allegra, Atarax, Periactin and Claritin.

Special warnings about this medication:

Aricept worsens asthma and other breathing problems, and also can increase the risk of attacks. Besides, it can also slow the heartbeat, cause heartbeat irregularities, and lead to fainting episodes. You should contact the doctor if any of these problems occur. Aricept can make stomach side effects worse for patients who have had stomach ulcers, and those who take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as Advil, Nuprin, or Aleve. Be cautious when using Aricept and report all side effects to your doctor.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication:

As Aricept will increase the effects of certain anesthetics, ensure the doctor is aware of Aricept therapy prior to any surgery. If Aricept is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is of very important to check with your doctor before combining Aricept with the following:

Antispasmodic drugs such as Bentyl, Cogentin, and Pro-Banthine

Bethanechol chloride (Urecholine)

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Dexamethasone (Decadron)

Ketoconazole (Nizoral)

Phenobarbital

Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Quinidine (Quinidex)

Rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding:

Aricept's effects during pregnancy and its excretion in breast milk are not known. Therefore, it is not intended for women of child-bearing age.

Recommended dosage:
ADULTS:
The usual starting dose is 5 milligrams once a day at bedtime for at least 4 to 6 weeks. You are not supposed to increase the dose during this period unless directed. The doctor may then change the dosage to 10 milligrams once a day if response to the drug warrants it.

CHILDREN:
The safety and effectiveness of Aricept have not been ascertained in children.
Overdosage:
Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.

Symptoms of Aricept overdose include:

Low blood pressure, nausea, salivation, slowed heart rate, sweating, vomiting, collapse, convulsions and extreme muscle weakness (possibly ending in death if breathing muscles are affected),

It is advised to that you should consult your doctor before starting to take this medicine. Never use it on your own initiative, without medical advice.


Through the development of innovative principle, cognitive enhancement, the increase in the mental ability by psychoactive substances and other interventions, has received a renewed boost. More than 100 drugs are currently being developed, tested or used for cognitive enhancement. Cholinesterase inhibitors (Aricept), memantine, dimebon, ampakines, fluoxetine and other antidepressants, methylphenidate and modafinil are candidates awaiting a larger distribution as cognitive enhancers in healthy individuals, if their advantages can be demonstrated. Further than more general neuro-ethical reservations regarding neuro-enhancement, future research will need to address the following neuropsychiatric issues:

(1) Will the benefits of longer term neuro-enhancement be more important than potential disadvantages such as rebound effects and other neurobiological and psychosocial trade-offs?
(2) What will be the neuropsychiatric sequelae of a soft coercion towards drug usage at work and for recreational purposes?

(3) Will there be new and specific neuropsychiatric diseases due to long-term usage of neuro-enhancers in a larger population?

New policies of neuro-enhancement will have to reveal their supremacy compared with more traditional and well-established interventions such as coffee and cake.


Aricept notes:
With the generic name donepezil, Aricept is an oral medication used for treating Alzheimer's disease, approved by the FDA in 1996. The medicine belongs to a class of drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors and treats Alzheimer's disease that is believed to be caused due to deficiency in chemicals (neurotransmitters) used by nerves in the brain for communication with one another. Aracept inhibits an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase that causes destruction of one neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Consequently, increased concentrations of acetylcholine occur in the brain that helps in the improvement for the treatment using donepezil. Donezepil, also known as donepezil hydrochloride, reduces the symptoms but not the reduction of progression of Alzheimer's disease.

For the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, Aricept drug causes physical changes in the brain that interrupts the flow of information and obstructs with memory, behavior and thinking. Though this medication can improve brain function temporarily in some Alzheimer's sufferers, it cannot stop the progression of the underlying disease. This medicine has to be taken regularly to maintain any improvement. The benefits of the drugs will be stopped once it is stopped to be taken. For any positive effects of the drug to appear, it is required to wait up to 3 weeks time. Aricept or donepezil hydrochloride has to be taken once a day before bedtime every day with or without food. You can also avail of the benefits of Aricept patient assistance program.
Insomnia, diarrhea, loss of appetite, arthritis, nausea, muscle cramps, abnormal dreams, bruising, vomiting and fatigue are the side effects of Aricept. This drug should not be prescribed along with drug under a group of antihistamines including Allegra, Atarax, Claritin, Periactin, and Optimine.