Donepezil
Introduction To Donepezil
Donepezil is used to treat mild to moderate dementia in Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive illness that gradually affects memory and thinking. It does not cure this illness but may help improve memory, awareness, and other symptoms.
Your doctor will explain how to take Donepezil. You may take it with food, preferably at night before going to bed. Follow the instructions carefully to get the most benefit. The dose may change from time to time to suit your individual needs. It can take up to a few weeks for symptoms to improve so keep taking your medicine regularly. You should not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Some common side effects of this medicine include nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, vomiting, muscle cramps, fatigue, and weight loss (anorexia). Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated. You may have side effects more often when you start your treatment or when your dose is increased. Usually, the side effects will slowly go away as your body gets used to the Donepezil. If they are severe or will not go away, you should contact your doctor.
Before using Donepezil, you should tell your doctor if you have ever had heart problems, stomach ulcers, epilepsy, or asthma. It may also affect, or be affected by, some other drugs you are using so let your doctor know what these are to be safe. During pregnancy, this medicine should only be taken if it is advised.
Uses of Donepezil
- Alzheimer's disease
Benefits of Donepezil
Alzheimer's disease
In people with Alzheimer’s disease, certain nerve cells die in the brain. This
results in lower levels of a chemical called acetylcholine which helps nerve
cells to communicate with each other. This leads to symptoms of dementia such
as memory loss, confusion, disorientation, problems with speech and language,
and personality changes. Donepezil increases the amount of acetylcholine and
helps brain cells to communicate. It can, therefore, improve some of the
symptoms such as memory, awareness, and the ability to carry out daily
functions for a time. However, it is not a cure. You should use the medicine
exactly as prescribed. It can take several weeks for your symptoms to improve;
so keep using the medicine even if you do not think it is working.
Side effects of Donepezil
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Donetaz
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
- Vomiting
- Muscle cramp
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
How to use Donepezil
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Do not handle the strips/film with wet hands. Keep it in your mouth but do not swallow it. Donepezil may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Donepezil works
Memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease occurs due to disturbances of signal transmission in the brain. Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor. It works by increasing the levels of a chemical messenger (acetylcholine) involved in transmmission of nerve signals. This improves memory and thinking.
Quick tips
- You have been prescribed Donepezil to slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
- It does not cure Alzheimer's disease but may help improve brain function and ability to do daily activities.
- Take it with or without food, preferably at night before going to bed.
- It may cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated while taking Donepezil.
- Monitor your body weight regularly as both Donepezil and Alzheimer's disease can cause weight loss.
- Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how Donepezil affects you.
- Be cautious while taking this medicine if you suffer from peptic ulcer as it may cause vomiting, stomach bleeding, stomach pain, or discomfort.
- Inform your doctor if you develop muscle tremors, especially if you have Parkinson’s disease.
- Inform your doctor if you experience seizures or convulsions while taking this medicine.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Donepezil if I’m pregnant?
Donepezil may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Donepezil if I’m breastfeeding?
Donepezil is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
AlcoholUNSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Donepezil safe?
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Donepezil.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Donepezil?
Donepezil may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
KidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Donepezil if I have/had kidney diseases?
Donepezil is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Donepezil may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Donepezil if I have/had liver diseases?
Donepezil should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Donepezil may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why is Donepezil taken at night?
Donepezil is recommended to be taken before going to bed to reduce gastrointestinal side effects or nausea, which is commonly seen in some patients in the first few weeks of treatment.
Q. Do the gastrointestinal side effects due to Donepezil persist for a long time?
Gastrointestinal side effects may appear during the first few weeks of treatment with Donepezil. This can be minimized by taking Donepezil at bedtime and with food. Generally, these side effects are mild and disappear within a few weeks with continued treatment.
Q. How long does it take for Donepezil to start working?
Within the first month of treatment with Donepezil, you may experience improvement in thinking and remembering (cognitive effect). However, it may take about 12 weeks to see the full benefits.
Q. When should Donepezil be stopped?
Do not stop Donepezil without consulting your doctor. This medicine only helps to control your condition but does not cure it. Therefore, it may take several weeks to show benefits, so do not be discouraged if you do not see an improvement straight away. But, in case your condition starts worsening and you feel that it is no longer helping you, then you should consult a doctor before stopping it.
Q. For how long does Donepezil stay in your system?
Donepezil gets removed from the body very slowly. It takes about two weeks or more for Donepezil to be completely removed from the system.
Q. Does Donepezil cause depression?
No, Donepezil does not cause depression. If you are experiencing symptoms, then it could be due to existing Alzheimer’s disease.
Q. What if I take more than the prescribed dose of Donepezil?
Taking more than the recommended dose of Donepezil may cause vomiting, increased sweating or saliva production, slow heartbeat, dizziness, difficulty in breathing, seizures or fits, weakness, and inability to control your bowel motions or passing of urine (incontinence). You should seek immediate help from a doctor or emergency service of a nearby hospital.
Q. I have been taking indomethacin for arthritis. Can I take Donepezil?
Donepezil does not interfere with the working of indomethacin, but indomethacin individually increases the risk of stomach bleeding when taken for a long time. Therefore, if you experience any symptoms of stomach bleeding, consult your doctor immediately.
Q. Does Donepezil cause hallucinations?
Hallucinations are a common side effect of Donepezil, though not everyone is affected. Other common psychiatric side effects include agitation, aggressive behavior, nightmares, and abnormal dreams.
Q. Who should not take Donepezil?
Donepezil should not be taken by patients who have hypersensitivity to Donepezil hydrochloride, piperidine derivatives, or to any active ingredients used in the medicine. Also, it should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary.
Q. Can it cause insomnia?
Yes, insomnia (sleeplessness) is a common side effect of Donepezil. Dizziness and fainting can also be seen as common side effects. Though these side effects are common, they do not occur in everyone.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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