Aricept

Parkinson Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease + 4 more

Treatment

20 Active Studies for Aricept

What is Aricept

Donepezil

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Donepezil, 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.

Aricept

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Aricept Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Aricept

Donepezil

1996

263

Effectiveness

How Aricept Affects Patients

Donepezil 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 body

Donepezil 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

, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 23.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, 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

Parkinson Disease

, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 23.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, 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 - Oral, Tablet, 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 - Oral, Tablet, 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 - Oral, Tablet, 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, Vascular

, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 23.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, 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 - Oral, Tablet, 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 Contraindications

Condition

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

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Aricept.

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 Risk

The 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.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

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

Parkinson Disease

0 Actively Recruiting

Alzheimer's Disease

0 Actively Recruiting

Alzheimer's Disease

3 Actively Recruiting

Phase 3, Phase 2

Alzheimer's Disease

39 Actively Recruiting

Phase 4, Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1

Alzheimer's Disease

15 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 1

Dementia

11 Actively Recruiting

Phase 4, Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 2

Dementia, Vascular

4 Actively Recruiting

Phase 4, Not Applicable

Aricept Reviews: What are patients saying about Aricept?

5

Patient Review

7/31/2021

Aricept for Down Syndrome

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.

5

Patient Review

8/19/2016

Aricept for Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Type Dementia

As a 53 year old with neurological dementia due to strokes and a brain aneurysm, this medication has been amazing.

5

Patient Review

7/31/2022

Aricept for Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Type Dementia

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.

3.7

Patient Review

5/8/2017

Aricept for Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Type Dementia

This drug has helped me to be more verbal, though I have noticed my dreams have become longer and more detailed as a result.

3

Patient Review

6/20/2016

Aricept for Alzheimer's Disease

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.

2.3

Patient Review

2/5/2022

Aricept for Alzheimer's Disease

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.

2

Patient Review

2/15/2019

Aricept for Alzheimer's Disease

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.

2

Patient Review

5/4/2022

Aricept for Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Type Dementia

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.

2

Patient Review

3/30/2015

Aricept for Cognitive Impairment following Traumatic Brain Injury

Unfortunately, I had a really severe reaction to this medication. It caused hallucinations, vomiting, weakness, and pain.

1.3

Patient Review

8/18/2019

Aricept for Alzheimer's Disease

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?

1

Patient Review

1/26/2022

Aricept for Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Type Dementia

Do not take ARICEPT. You can end up with NO MEMORY.

1

Patient Review

8/18/2019

Aricept for Alzheimer's Disease

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.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

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

Clinical Trials for Aricept

Image of Invicro (dba Perceptive) in New Haven, United States.

[18F]MK-0947 for Parkinson's Disease

18 - 80
All Sexes
New Haven, CT

This clinical study is being conducted to learn more about a new imaging drug called \[18F\]MK-0947, which is designed to help doctors see changes in the brain related to Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is a condition that affects movement, balance, and thinking. The drug works with a type of scan called PET (Positron Emission Tomography) to show areas of the brain where a protein called α-synuclein builds up. This buildup is linked to PD and other brain disorders. The main goal of this study is to find out if \[18F\]MK-0947 is safe for people and if it works well to show α-synuclein in the brain. The study will also look at how the drug moves through the body and how much radiation it gives off. Researchers hope this information will help develop better tools for diagnosing PD and tracking how it changes over time. Who can join? Adults who have PD or who are healthy may be able to take part. Participants will have screening tests to make sure they qualify. What does participation involve? People in the study will have PET scans, blood tests, and other safety checks. Some participants will also have an MRI scan. The study is divided into two parts: Part 1 looks at how the drug works in the brain of PD patients and healthy elderly participants, and Part 2 measures radiation levels in healthy participants. Why is this important? There is currently no cure for PD, and better imaging tools could help researchers develop new treatments. By joining this study, participants will help advance research that may improve care for people with PD and similar conditions in the future.

Phase < 1
Recruiting

Invicro (dba Perceptive)

Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

Have you considered Aricept clinical trials?

We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Aricept, we think they might fit your search criteria.
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Image of Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA in Philadelphia, United States.

Gamification for Parkinson's Disease

50 - 89
All Sexes
Philadelphia, PA

Despite overwhelming evidence that exercise can improve motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's Disease (PD), less than 25% of Veterans with PD meet recommended activity goals. Interventions to increase PA that are scalable and can be deployed in the community represent a major opportunity. The investigators' preliminary work has demonstrated that gamification, a method commonly used for health promotion, can lead to increases in physical activity in PD. In this study, the investigators will test the effectiveness of gamification in a randomized trial to increase activity. Importantly, the investigators will also examine the effect of step count and exercise intensity on clinical outcomes and explore factors important to widespread implementation of the program VA.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA

James F Morley, MD

Have you considered Aricept clinical trials?

We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Aricept, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Go to Trials

Have you considered Aricept clinical trials?

We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Aricept, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Go to Trials