Aricept 5 mg

Aricept (Donepezil) improves the function of nerve cells in the brain. It works by preventing the breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine. Donepezil is used to treat confusion (dementia) related to Alzheimer's disease. It does not cure Alzheimer's disease, but it may improve memory, awareness, and the ability to function. This medication is an enzyme blocker that works by restoring the balance of natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.
Before taking Aricept, tell your doctor if you have a heart rhythm disorder such as "sick sinus syndrome" (slow heartbeats), an enlarged prostate, urination problems, asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease, or a seizure disorder such as epilepsy.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking Aricept.
Aricept can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Aricept treats dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease via preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine, the substance associated with the processes of thinking and memory.

Aricept contains active ingredient donepezil hydrochloride which is an inhibitor of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase and hereby blocks disintegration of acetylcholine, which is responsible for the transfer of excitation in the central nervous system. Aricept slows progress of dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease. Dosage and directions Take it orally before nighttime. The recommended starting dose is 5 mg once daily during a month. The dose may be increased up to 10 mg a day. Do not swallow or chew the tablet whole, wait till its dissolves in your mouth. While it is dissolving you may swallow from time to time.

Precautions
Notify your doctor if you have sick sinus syndrome, an enlarged prostate, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, enlarged prostate or urination problems, asthma, ulcers in duodenum or stomach, asthma, or a seizure disorder such as epilepsy. Let your doctor know if you currently take NSAIDs, other choline inhibitors, pregnant, plan to become pregnant or breastfeeding.

Contraindications
Aricept cannot be used in the patients with hypersensitivity to donepezil and to derivatives of piperidine.

Side Effects:
The most frequent adverse reactions include allergy symptoms (hives, rash, facial swelling), headache, dizziness, fatigue, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds, painful or difficult urination, seizure (black-out or convulsions).