Dr. Aditya Shah
Expert In Clinical Pharmacology And Drug SafetyView moreWhat is Aricep 5 Mg
Aricep 5 Mg containing Donepezil is a dementia treating prescription drug. The drug influences acetylcholine in your brain by inhibiting cholinesterase, and in doing so, it treats your cognitive issues like lack of awareness or loss of memory. The drug will not treat dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, but will fix certain symptoms when you take it for a long time.
Key Details:
- Ingredient: Donepezil
- Treatment done: Works for dementia and treats some of the symptoms of dementia.
- Mechanism: Influences acetylcholine in your brain by inhibiting cholinesterase, and doing so, it treats your cognitive issues like lack of awareness or loss of memory.
- Dosage: 30 minutes before going to bed at night, after taking your meal.
- Side effects: Muscle cramps, nausea, fatigue, sleeping uneasiness, and diarrhea.
- Warning and Precautions: The drug can cause stomach ulcers. Asthma triggers and slow heart rate are also influenced.
Essential Guidelines For Taking Aricep 5 Mg?
- Take only one pill a day and take it with food (the doctor can also suggest taking it without food).
- The right time to take the dose is at night before going to sleep.
- Patients below the age of 18 must not take the pill, as hormonal changes that occur during that time might affect the drug or the patient’s brain of the patient.
- You can see the results from the drug usage within 3 weeks, but never stop taking the pill on your own. Usually, the dosage runs for 2-3 years.
Dosage Administration:
- Usual Dosage: Initiated with 5 mg, the dosage can go up to 10 mg for mild dementia. In an acute condition, the dosage can start at 10mg and can move up to 23 mg max.
- Dosage guide: Take the dosage with water and with/without food. Always follow the guidelines of your doctor. Never stop taking the drug suddenly. It is a drug that needs to be continued for at least 2-3 years.
- Missed Dose: It must be taken at least 30 minutes before you go to bed. Keeping that in mind, you can take the missed dose. If that much time is not available for you, skip the dose, but never skip more than 3 tablets a month. If missed, inform your doctor and seek guidance.
- Overdose: To avoid muscle strain or ulcers, never overdose on If you unconsciously overdosed on Aricep, then call your doctor immediately and ask for remedial actions from him.
Side Effects:
With Aricep 5 mg, you can face mild to major side effects, such as:
- Muscle cramps (very common)
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Insomnia
Precautions:
Here are the essentials you must consider as precaution, while taking Aricep 5mg:
Medical History: Patients with a medical history of heart disease and asthma must consult with their doctor, as he is prescribing them the drug. There may be a need for dosage adjustment.
Risks associated: As you take Aricep for long days or years, you can develop an ulcer in your stomach. Be very careful about it and undergo regular monitoring of the same, too. The same can cause epilepsy in some patients, too. Regular checking of bilirubin and creatinine is also important.
Drug interactions: Aricep interacts with painkillers and antibiotics. Hence, if you regularly take such items, disclose the matter to your doctor and allow him to adjust your dosage.
FAQs
Q. How Can I Understand That Aricep Is Working For Me?
You can see the results after a month of starting to take the dose. However, never stop the dosage unless your doctor says to stop it. Usually, the dosage must continue for years.
Q. Who Must Not Take Aricep 5 Mg?
Before the age of 18 years, due to hormonal change any drug for the brain can be dangerous. Therefore, the FDA has strictly regulated the drug to be used by only by patients over 18 years. Also, if you are pregnant or nursing your baby, consult your doctor before taking it.
Q. Can I Take Aricep 5 Mg With A Weak Heart?
No, the patients with weak hearts, who have undergone angioplasty or bypass, must not take Aricep, as the drug causes a slow heart rate, and therefore, can be dangerous for all heart patients.
Q. What Are The Risks Of Taking Aricep For A Long Phase?
Taking Aricep for a long time can cause ulcers in your stomach, liver, and kidneys, and also cause seizures. Therefore, you must undergo regular monitoring of your metabolic health.
