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What is Aricept
DonepezilThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryDonepezil, also known as Aricept, is a medication used to decrease the cognitive decline associated with dementia, most commonly Alzheimer’s Disease. It was approved by the FDA in 1996, and an extended-release form was approved in 2014 when used in combination with memantine. Though donepezil does not stop the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease, it can be used to manage its symptoms. In 2016, the global prevalence of dementia was estimated to be 43.8 million.
Ariceptis the brand name
Aricept Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Aricept
Donepezil
1996
263
Effectiveness
How Aricept Affects PatientsDonepezil helps to improve symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease, such as apathy, aggression, confusion, and psychosis, by blocking the enzyme acetylcholinesterase.
How Aricept works in the bodyDonepezil is believed to help reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer's by increasing levels of acetylcholine in the brain. It does this by blocking the enzyme that normally breaks down acetylcholine. In addition, it may also work by reducing glutamate excitability, regulating amyloid protein levels, and inhibiting inflammatory signaling pathways.
When to interrupt dosage
The suggested dosage of Aricept is contingent upon the ascertained condition, such as Alzheimer's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia. The amount of dosage is subject to the mode of delivery detailed in the accompanying table.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Dementia, Vascular
, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 23.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Kit, Kit - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Patch - Transdermal, Transdermal, Patch
Alzheimer's Disease
, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 23.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Kit, Kit - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Patch - Transdermal, Transdermal, Patch
Alzheimer's Disease
, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 23.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Kit, Kit - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Patch - Transdermal, Transdermal, Patch
Alzheimer's Disease
, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 23.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Kit, Kit - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Patch - Transdermal, Transdermal, Patch
Alzheimer's Disease
, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 23.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Kit, Kit - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Patch - Transdermal, Transdermal, Patch
Dementia due to Parkinson's disease
, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 23.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Kit, Kit - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Patch - Transdermal, Transdermal, Patch
Dementia
, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 23.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Kit, Kit - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Patch - Transdermal, Transdermal, Patch
Warnings
Aricept ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Donepezil may interact with Pulse Frequency
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Donepezil may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Aricept Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Astemizole
Major
The metabolism of Astemizole can be decreased when combined with Donepezil.
Azelastine
Major
Donepezil may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Azelastine.
Clomipramine
Major
The metabolism of Clomipramine can be decreased when combined with Donepezil.
Dacomitinib
Major
The metabolism of Dacomitinib can be decreased when combined with Donepezil.
Enasidenib
Major
The metabolism of Enasidenib can be decreased when combined with Donepezil.
Aricept Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe toxic dose of donepezil in rats has been found to be 32.6 mg/kg. Taking too much donepezil can cause nausea and vomiting, slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, sweating, seizures, weak muscles, and breathing problems. In extreme cases, the muscle weakness can lead to death. To treat an overdose, medicines that block certain nerve signals may be administered. It is not known if donepezil can be removed from the body through dialysis.
Aricept Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Aricept?
Currently, 95 clinical trials are evaluating the potential of Aricept to provide ameliorative effects for Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, Vascular Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Dementia due to Parkinson's disease
0 Actively Recruiting
Alzheimer's Disease
31 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 3
Alzheimer's Disease
0 Actively Recruiting
Alzheimer's Disease
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 2
Alzheimer's Disease
41 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 1
Dementia, Vascular
11 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Not Applicable
Dementia
18 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Early Phase 1
Aricept Reviews: What are patients saying about Aricept?
5Patient Review
7/31/2021 I'm a 55 year old woman who just started taking 5mg of this medication 3 weeks ago. I've already noticed a big difference; it's helped me think and communicate better. I'll be moving up to 10mg in a week, and will update if I see any more changes.
5Patient Review
8/19/2016 As a 53 year old with neurological dementia due to strokes and a brain aneurysm, this medication has been amazing.
5Patient Review
7/31/2022 We're so glad we made the decision to try this treatment! It's had no negative side effects and has really improved my mom's quality of life. She's back to her old self, living independently and doing all the things she loves.
3.7Patient Review
5/8/2017 This drug has helped me to be more verbal, though I have noticed my dreams have become longer and more detailed as a result.
3Patient Review
6/20/2016 I experienced some severe side effects when I first started taking this medication, but they eventually subsided. Now, I feel more alert and able to communicate better with others. Additionally, this treatment seems to have alleviated the "blank" look associated with my disease.
2.3Patient Review
2/5/2022 My father was prescribed Aricept when he was newly diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2014. I would say that it stopped him from declining for about a year, and then he started to decline again gradually. However, after being on the medication for two years, he suddenly declined very rapidly and died in 2016. I was told by the doctors that this was because there wasn't enough of my father's working brain left for the Aricept to work on.
2Patient Review
2/15/2019 This medication does not cure the condition, despite what some people might tell you. It only provides temporary relief, and it certainly doesn't stop the progression of the condition. My mother-in-law was on this medication, but my husband and I had her taken off of it because it's not worth the money.
2Patient Review
5/4/2022 Although this pill is easy to take, be cautious of potential side effects. My father was on this medication for years and experienced terrible diarrhea as a result. I also had issues with uncontrollable diarrhea when I took this pill, so I stopped taking it and tried something else.
2Patient Review
3/30/2015 Unfortunately, I had a really severe reaction to this medication. It caused hallucinations, vomiting, weakness, and pain.
1.3Patient Review
8/18/2019 I am posting this again because I'm so angry. The side effect of diarrhea is awful, and it's especially hard for elderly or already impaired individuals. This medication did nothing except make my mother feel bad about herself. Can't you do better than this?
1Patient Review
1/26/2022 Do not take ARICEPT. You can end up with NO MEMORY.
1Patient Review
8/18/2019 I am so angry about the most common side effect of this medication: diarrhea. There's no real efficacy to speak of, and it just makes things worse for people who are already struggling. I'm done giving this garbage to my mom.
Patient Q&A Section about aricept
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What drugs should not be taken with Aricept?
"The following drugs may interact with POMALYST: aclidinium, amiodarone, antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, doxylamine, diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine, loratadine), antipsychotics (e.g., chlorpromazine, clozapine, haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone), atropine, azelastine, barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital)."
Answered by AI
What are the side effects of taking Aricept?
"One to three weeks after starting the drug, you may experience some of the following side effects: trouble sleeping, shakiness, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or weight loss. However, these effects should lessen over time."
Answered by AI
Can Aricept improve memory?
"While donepezil may improve the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in the short-term, there is no evidence to suggest that it has any long-term benefits. Additionally, there is no evidence to suggest that donepezil is effective for treating mild cognitive impairment."
Answered by AI
What is Aricept supposed to do?
"Aricept is a medication that is prescribed by doctors. It is approved by the FDA to treat dementia in adults who have mild, moderate, or severe Alzheimer's disease. Dementia is a condition where someone has a decline in their cognitive abilities. This includes things like being able to think, talk, understand, and remember."
Answered by AI
How effective is Aricept for dementia?
"A study that lasted 24 weeks showed that patients who took Aricept improved significantly when compared to a control group that took a placebo. However, when the patients were taken off of Aricept, the improvements stopped, which implies that Aricept only treats the symptoms of Alzheimer's and not the disease itself."
Answered by AI