Aricep 5 Tablet
Donepezil (5mg)
by Eisai Pharmaceuticals India Pvt Ltd
strip of 10 tablets
About this medicine
Aricep 5 Tablet is used to treat mild to moderate dementia in Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive illness that gradually affects memory and thinking. It does not cure this illness but may help improve memory, awareness, and other symptoms. Your doctor will explain how to take Aricep 5 Tablet. You may take it with food, preferably at night before going to bed. Follow the instructions carefully to get the most benefit. The dose may change from time to time to suit your individual needs. It can take up to a few weeks for symptoms to improve so keep taking your medicine regularly. You should not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor. Some common side effects of this medicine include nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, vomiting, muscle cramps, fatigue, weight loss (anorexia), headache, loss of appetite, common cold, urinary incontinence, and rash. Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated. You may have side effects more often when you start your treatment or when your dose is increased. Usually, the side effects will slowly go away as your body gets used to the Aricep 5 Tablet. If they are severe or will not go away, you should contact your doctor. Before using Aricep 5 Tablet, you should tell your doctor if you have ever had heart problems, stomach ulcers, epilepsy, or asthma. It may also affect, or be affected by, some other drugs you are using so let your doctor know what these are to be safe. During pregnancy, this medicine should only be taken if it is advised.
Uses
- Alzheimer's disease
Benefits
In alzheimer's disease
In people with Alzheimer’s disease, certain nerve cells die in the brain. This results in lower levels of a chemical called acetylcholine which helps nerve cells to communicate with each other. This leads to symptoms of dementia such as memory loss, confusion, disorientation, problems with speech and language, and personality changes. Aricep 5 Tablet increases the amount of acetylcholine and helps brain cells to communicate. It can, therefore, improve some of the symptoms such as memory, awareness, and the ability to carry out daily functions for a time. However, it is not a cure. You should use the medicine exactly as prescribed. It can take several weeks for your symptoms to improve; so keep using the medicine even if you do not think it is working.
How it works
Memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease occurs due to disturbances of signal transmission in the brain. Aricep 5 Tablet 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.
How to use
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Aricep 5 Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Common side effects
- Common cold
- Urinary incontinence
- Rash
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
- Weight loss
- Accidental injury
Safety advice
- AlcoholUNSAFE
- It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Aricep 5 Tablet.
- PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
- Aricep 5 Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
- Breast feedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
- Aricep 5 Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
- DrivingUNSAFE
- Aricep 5 Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
- KidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
- Aricep 5 Tablet is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Aricep 5 Tablet may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
- LiverCAUTION
- Aricep 5 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Aricep 5 Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose of Aricep 5 Tablet, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.\\n
Quick facts
- Chemical Class
- Carbamate Derivative
- Habit Forming
- No
- Therapeutic Class
- Neuro cns
- Action Class
- Cholinesterase inhibitors - Alzheimer's disease
Frequently asked questions
Why is Aricep 5 Tablet taken at night?
Aricep 5 Tablet 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.
Do the gastrointestinal side effects due to Aricep 5 Tablet persist for a long time?
Gastrointestinal side effects may appear during the first few weeks of treatment with Aricep 5 Tablet. This can be minimized by taking Aricep 5 Tablet at bedtime and with food. Generally, these side effects are mild and disappear within a few weeks with continued treatment.
How long does it take for Aricep 5 Tablet to start working?
Within the first month of treatment with Aricep 5 Tablet, you may experience improvement in thinking and remembering (cognitive effect). However, it may take about 12 weeks to see the full benefits.
When should Aricep 5 Tablet be stopped?
Do not stop Aricep 5 Tablet without consulting your doctor. This medicine only helps to control your condition but does not cure it. Therefore, it may take several weeks to show benefits, so do not be discouraged if you do not see an improvement straight away. But, in case your condition starts worsening and you feel that it is no longer helping you, then you should consult a doctor before stopping it.
For how long does Aricep 5 Tablet stay in your system?
Aricep 5 Tablet gets removed from the body very slowly. It takes about two weeks or more for Aricep 5 Tablet to be completely removed from the system.
Does Aricep 5 Tablet cause depression?
No, Aricep 5 Tablet does not cause depression. If you are experiencing symptoms, then it could be due to existing Alzheimer’s disease.
What if I take more than the prescribed dose of Aricep 5 Tablet?
Taking more than the recommended dose of Aricep 5 Tablet may cause vomiting, increased sweating or saliva production, slow heartbeat, dizziness, difficulty in breathing, seizures or fits, weakness, low blood pressure, convulsions, and inability to control your bowel motions or passing of urine (incontinence). You should seek immediate help from a doctor or emergency service of a nearby hospital.
I have been taking indomethacin for arthritis. Can I take Aricep 5 Tablet?
Aricep 5 Tablet does not interfere with the working of indomethacin, but indomethacin individually increases the risk of stomach bleeding when taken for a long time. Therefore, if you experience any symptoms of stomach bleeding, consult your doctor immediately.
Does Aricep 5 Tablet cause hallucinations?
Hallucinations are a common side effect of Aricep 5 Tablet, though not everyone is affected. Other common psychiatric side effects include agitation, aggressive behavior, nightmares, and abnormal dreams.
Who should not take Aricep 5 Tablet?
Aricep 5 Tablet should not be taken by patients who have hypersensitivity to Aricep 5 Tablet hydrochloride, piperidine derivatives, or to any active ingredients used in the medicine. Also, it should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary.
Can it cause insomnia?
Yes, insomnia (sleeplessness) is a common side effect of Aricep 5 Tablet. Dizziness and fainting can also be seen as common side effects. Though these side effects are common, they do not occur in everyone.
Product details
- Manufacturer
- Eisai Pharmaceuticals India Pvt Ltd
- Salt composition
- Donepezil (5mg)
- Pack
- strip of 10 tablets
- Dosage form
- Tablet
- Storage
- Store below 30°C
Same salt, other brands
Therapeutically equivalent. Ask your doctor or our pharmacist before substituting.
The content above is for information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a registered medical practitioner before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.