DONEPEZIL

Overview:

Donepezil is a medicine used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. It doesn’t cure the condition, but it can help with memory, thinking, and daily activities by boosting a brain chemical called acetylcholine. It’s usually taken once a day and is often the first medicine doctors prescribe for dementia. Some people notice clearer thinking, though the benefit is modest and varies.

Classification: Reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI)

Uses:

Donepezil is mainly prescribed for Alzheimer’s disease to help with memory, thinking, and daily activities. It cannot stop the disease, but it may manage symptoms and prolong independence. Doctors may also use it in other dementias like Lewy body or Parkinson’s dementia, and occasionally in similar memory problems.

How it works:

Donepezil works by protecting a brain chemical called acetylcholine, which is important for memory and learning. Normally, an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase breaks down acetylcholine, leading to lower levels in the brain. Donepezil prevents the enzyme from breaking down acetylcholine, so higher levels remain active in the brain. This extra boost of communication can temporarily improve memory, attention, and daily functioning in people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Dosage: As prescribed by your doctor.

Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• Tiredness
• Trouble sleeping

Precautions:

When taking Donepezil, certain precautions are important. People with heart problems like slow heartbeat or irregular rhythms need extra monitoring, as the medicine can make these worse. Those with a history of stomach ulcers, bleeding, or using NSAIDs should also be cautious since Donepezil may increase stomach irritation. It should be used carefully in people with asthma or COPD, because it can sometimes affect breathing. Since the drug is processed by the liver, patients with liver disease may need adjustments.

Disclaimer:This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage.