Aricept Side Effects
From Pharmacy Drug Guide
Aricept (donepezil) treats dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease. Dementia affects the ability to think rationally, communicate, remember things and perform day-to-day activities, and it also frequently causes changes in mindset.
Aricept helps to improve mental functions such as memory, focus, social interaction, reasoning and language by increasing levels of a substance found naturally in the brain. Aricept is not a cure for Alzheimer's disease or dementia, and will not prevent further loss of mental function. Patients who take Aricept may experience side effects like nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, tiredness and pain. Many of these become less noticeable as the patient becomes accustomed to the drug, but some may be severe enough to require medical attention and discontinuation of Aricept.[1]
 Flickr: GE Healthcare | |
| Brand name for | Donepezil HCl |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Eisai Inc., in conjunction with Pfizer Inc. |
| Uses | Treats mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer's disease. |
| Common side effects | Slowed heartbeat or fainting; increased risk for ulcers; weight loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, muscle cramps, tiredness, or loss of appetite. |
| Who should not take Aricept | Those allergic donepezil or to medicines that contain piperidines. [2] |
| Disclaimer | The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician. |
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Common Aricept Side Effects
Common side effects of Aricept include frequent urination; muscle cramps; joint pain, swelling, or stiffness; pain in other pars of the body; drowsiness; headache; dizziness; nervousness; depression; confusion; changes in behavior; and abnormal dreams.
Serious side effects of Aricept, which require prompt medical attention, include fainting, reduced heart rate, throwing up blood, trouble urinating, seizures, lower back pain and high temperatures.[1]
About Drug Side Effects
Aricept Allergic Reactions
Patients who are allergic to piperdines are likely to be allergic to Aricept.[3] Patients may also be allergic to any of the inactive ingredients. Although serious allergic reactions are uncommon, they occasionally occur and are indicated by symptoms such as hives; raised, red, itchy skin; dizziness; and swelling in areas such as the face and throat.[4]
Aricept Precautions and Warnings
- The manufacturer of Aricept recommends that patients or their caretakers inform physicians of any over-the-counter or prescription medication use, especially drugs used to treat Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease; allergy or cold medicines; bladder or bowel spasm drugs; or asthma medicines.
- Aricept can cause slow heartbeat and lead to fainting. This occurs more frequently in people with heart problems. The manufacturer recommends that caretakers contact a doctor immediately if the patient faints while taking Aricept.[5]
- In some cases, Aricept can cause seizures. [5]
- Aricept users may have difficulty passing urine.[5]
- Lung problems, including asthma, may worsen with the Aricept.
- The manufacturer recommends notifying a doctor of Aricept use before any procedure that may require anesthesia, including dental and medical procedures or surgery.
- People at risk for stomach ulcers or who take certain other medicines, such as aspirin or NSAIDs, are advised to speak with a doctor before using Aricept to avoid serious stomach problems such as bleeding.[5]
- Aricept may cause lightheadedness that makes it unsafe to drive, and users are urged not to operate a car unless it is clearly safe to do so on the drug.[4]
- Pregnant women are instructed not to use Aricept unless absolutely necessary, as there is a possibility of fetal harm. In addition, it is not clear if Aricept may be transferred to newborns through breast milk, and nursing mothers are advised to discuss risks with their doctors.[4]
- Aricept patients are instructed to have a doctor monitor their weight to check for dangerous side effects.[4]
Also See: Namenda Coupons, Patient Assistance Programs, Free Drug Samples, Insulin and Alzheimer's, Celexa and Pregnancy,
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References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a697032.html
- ↑ http://www.aricept.com/
- ↑ http://www.aricept.com/?q=info/prescribing-and-patient-info
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-14335-Aricept+Oral.aspx?drugid=14335&drugname=Aricept+Oral
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 http://www.aricept.com/?q=info/important-safety-information
