Donepezil
Information about Donepezil
Donepezil uses
Donepezil is used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. It should be used in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease.
How donepezil works
Memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease occurs due to disturbances of signal transmission in the brain. Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor. It works by increasing the levels of a chemical messenger (acetylcholine) involved in transmmission of nerve signals. This improves memory and thinking.
Common side effects of donepezil
Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Fatigue, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Headache, Hallucination, Weight loss, Accidental injury, High blood pressure, Ecchymosis (discoloration of the skin resulting from bleeding underneath), Vivid dreams, Joint inflammation, Peptic ulcer, Heart block, Decreased sodium level in blood, Rhabdomyolysis
Available Medicine for Donepezil
Expert advice for Donepezil
- You have been prescribed Donepezil to slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
- It does not cure Alzheimer's disease but may help improve brain function and ability to do daily activities.
- Take it with or without food, preferably at night before going to bed.
- It may cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated while taking Donepezil.
- Monitor your body weight regularly as both Donepezil and Alzheimer's disease can cause weight loss.
- Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how Donepezil affects you.
- Be cautious while taking this medicine if you suffer from peptic ulcer as it may cause vomiting, stomach bleeding, stomach pain, or discomfort.
- Inform your doctor if you develop muscle tremors, especially if you have Parkinson’s disease.
- Inform your doctor if you experience seizures or convulsions while taking this medicine.
Frequently asked questions for Donepezil
Donepezil
Q. Why is Donepezil taken at night?
Donepezil is recommended to be taken before going to bed to reduce gastrointestinal side effects or nausea, which is commonly seen in some patients in the first few weeks of treatment.
Q. Do the gastrointestinal side effects due to Donepezil persist for a long time?
Gastrointestinal side effects may appear during the first few weeks of treatment with Donepezil. This can be minimized by taking Donepezil at bedtime and with food. Generally, these side effects are mild and disappear within a few weeks with continued treatment.
Q. How long does it take for Donepezil to start working?
Within the first month of treatment with Donepezil, you may experience improvement in thinking and remembering (cognitive effect). However, it may take about 12 weeks to see the full benefits.