Aricep 23 Mg

Written by Molly Wilson

Trusted Source

Molly Wilson

View more

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Aditya Shah

Trusted Source

Dr. Aditya Shah

Expert In Clinical Pharmacology And Drug SafetyView more

What Is Aricep 23 Mg

Aricep 23 Mg is a drug, obtainable with a prescription, prescribed for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s, usually dementia is treated with the drug containing Donepezil. 23 mg is the maximum dosage allowed for the treatment per day.

The drug increases the level of acetylcholine, and it does so by inhibiting cholinesterase. By increasing the acetylcholine, it will treat different dementia conditions like loss of memory or lack of awareness. Make it a note that the drug only works and treats the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and won’t treat it.

Key Information:

• Ingredient: Donepezil
• Use: Treatment of different symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Mechanism: Increases acetylcholine by inhibiting cholinesterase to remove cognitive fog from your brain.
• Dosage: One dose a day at night, 30 minutes before going to bed.

How To Take Aricep 23 Mg?

• The drug is restricted to be used in patients over the age of 18. Use of the drug below the age is not prescribed as hormonal changes in patients of such age cause serious issues and interactions.
• The effects of the drug can be seen within the first 3 weeks of usage. However, the dosage must not be stopped with that; otherwise, cognitive issues can be more critical than before.
• The usual duration of the drug is 2-3 years. However, your doctor will change the dosage in between and can extend the duration, if needed.
• 23 mg is the maximum dosage of Aricep you can take in a day. Therefore, never overdose on the drug.
• The drug can be taken both with and without food. However, it is always recommended to fix your timing and fix the style to have it for the best results.

Dosage:

• Generally, 23 mg is not the dose to start the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. It is the final dosage available. Hence, 23 mg is the maximum dosage you can be recommended by your doctor in a day.
• For the starters to the treatment, the usual dosage is 5-10mg. However, a dosage of 10mg is recommended at the start only for those who have acute dementia.
• The dosage gap and increasing tenure must be decided by your doctor. The medicine is only obtainable with a prescription. Hence, never take your own decision to increase, decease or stop the medication.
• You will start getting results with the drug from the 3^rd or 4^th However, the duration is never less than 2-3 years. Hence, never stop the medication in the meantime, as doing so can exacerbate your cognitive fog in the brain.
• Take the drug only once a day and at night. Take it before or after dinner (ask your doctor) and follow the same pattern each time throughout the treatment for the best results.

Missed Dose: You can take the missed dose within 1 hour of missing it, before you are asleep at night. If can’t take it, then skip the dose. Never miss more than 2 dosages in a month. If you miss it, take guidance from your doctor.

Overdose: Overdose can trigger asthma or make your heart pace slower. Hence, be cautious not to overdose on Aricep. Moreover, 23 mg is the highest dose of the drug. So, be extra careful.

Side Effects:

Aricep can cause side effects in you, such as:

• Appetite loss
• Tiredness
• Nausea
• Muscle cramps

Warnings:

Here are some of the essential practices you must follow while you take Aricep 23 mg:

• Patients with a history of heart disease and asthma must not take the drug before consulting their respective doctors.
• Long-term (3-4 years) usage at a stretch can cause stomach ulcers and epilepsy. So, need monitoring from time to time.
• The drug can also affect your liver and kidneys. Therefore, a time-to-time checkup of liver and kidney health is essential.
• Talk to a doctor if you are taking some antibiotics or antifungals. They cause interaction with Aricep 23 mg.

FAQs

Q. When Can  I See Help In Dementia From Aricep 23 Mg?

Usually visible within 2 weeks. However, in some patients, it can take up to 4 weeks.

Q. Who Must Not Take Aricep 23 Mg?

• Patients less than 18 years
• Patients with slow heart rate or pacemakers
• Patients with serious asthmatic conditions.

Q. How Safe Are Pregnant Women From Aricep 23 Mg?

Usually, the drug is not recommended for pregnant women. The drug causes ulcers in its long term us and hence, it is not safe for breastfeeding moms too.

Q. Are There Any Drugs With Which Aricep Interacts?

Yes, Aricep interacts with Painkillers, antifungals, and antibiotics. If you take any of them regularly, talk to your doctor.