Aricept 5mg Tablets for Alzheimer's Disease: What You Need to Know

09/30/2024

 

Let’s know Alzheimer's

It is an ailment of the brain that fails to work normally due to damage to neurons, causing changes in the function of the brain. It ranks sixth in terms of the disease with the highest number of mortality. The exact cause of this disease is not known. It is more prevalent among people who are 65 and above.

Alzheimer's is a progressive disease since the symptoms worsen over time. People with mild symptoms may be able to carry out their normal routine with little assistance. But once the symptoms get grave, they are totally dependent on others for even minor activity. However, how long it takes for the condition to worsen could vary among individuals. The progression or the worsening of symptoms can be delayed with medication. Depending upon the severity of symptoms, the disease is segregated into three stages: mild, moderate, and severe. One of the common reasons for developing dementia is Alzheimer’s disease.

What is Aricept?

Aricept is an FDA-approved name-brand drug for treating mild to moderate Alzheimer’s symptoms. Its active ingredient is donepezil, which belongs to the drug category of acetylcholine inhibitors. Acetylcholine (ACH), a neurotransmitter that plays an essential role in the functioning of the brain and muscle movement. A low level of Acetylcholine impacts memory and other body functions.

The drug Aricept is available in tablet form and should be taken orally. It comes in three different strengths: 5mg, 10mg, and 23mg. In addition to regular tablets, Aricept is also available as an orally disintegrating tablet. The drug is also available in generic form and is as effective as the brand drug. People looking for affordable options may buy generic Aricept 5mg Tablets after consulting their doctor.

Dosage

For better results, the medication should be taken as and when prescribed by your healthcare expert. While taking the medication, it is worth remembering the information below.

• The medication is to be taken orally with or without food.

• The doctor might begin the treatment with a smaller dosage (5mg) first. It could be changed later on based on how the body reacts to the medication.

• If you have been put on 23mg, do not break, cut, or chew the regular tablet. Instead, swallow it whole with water.

• If you are taking the orally disintegrating tablet, just place the tablet on your tongue and allow it to dissolve.

• This medication is generally prescribed once a day before going to bed. However, it is important that you follow your doctor’s advice.

• After seeing the symptoms improve, do not abruptly stop taking the drug without consulting your healthcare provider. Else, the condition might get worse.

• The dosage would be determined by your doctor based on the seriousness of your symptoms and your medical condition.

• In case you forget to take the medication, take it as soon as possible upon recall. If the next scheduled dosage is close, ignore the last one and continue with the current dosage. Do not double the dosage.

Information to share with your Doctor

• Before you start taking Aricept, let your doctor know of the following:

• If you are allergic to donepezil or any other medication.

• Inform your healthcare expert if you are suffering from asthma or any other pulmonary disease.

• If you have liver, heart, stomach, and kidney disease.

• If you are experiencing difficulty urinating or have irregular heart rate.

• If you have tested positive for pregnancy or are planning to achieve it.

• If you are a breastfeeding mother. 

• Also, let your doctor know of the prescription and non-prescription medications you might be taking. This would help the doctor assess the risk of altercation with other drugs.

Side Effects

Every medication has its side effects, and the same is the case with Aricept. The side effects of Aricept can bifurcated into mild and serious side effects. The mild side effects would not require medical attention as they gradually fade once the body gets used to the medication. However, if they persist longer or the symptoms get worse, please see your doctor. A few of the common side effects are listed below:

• Loss of Appetite, weight loss.

• Disturbed sleep

• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

• Restlessness, cramps, and muscle pain.

Some people may also witness the serious side effects of the drug. Upon witnessing any of the below-mentioned symptoms, it is important that you stop further use of this drug and see your doctor immediately.

• Allergic reactions such as skin rashes, hives, swollen face, lips, mouth, and throat.

• Heartburn, stomach ache, bloating, and stomach ulcers.

• Breathlessness, increased or slow heartbeat

• Light-headedness and seizure.

• Trouble urinating, frequent urination, and urine accompanied with blood.

Individuals taking Aricept may also experience other serious side effects, and the list above is not complete.

Takeaways

Living with Alzheimer’s is a tough spot to be in, as it impacts one’s ability to think and decision making. It could lead to loss of memory and changes in behavior. Ignoring these symptoms may cause the mild symptoms to turn severe. In that case, performing even basic activities such as walking, bathing, cooking, etc, becomes difficult. Please work with your healthcare expert to delay the symptoms getting worse. Although there is no cure, the symptoms progress and can be delayed with medication and other techniques. You may opt to buy generic Alzheimer's drugs online after consulting your doctor.​​