Aricept (Donepezil)

Brand name: Aricept
Generic name: Donepezil Hydrochloride, Donepezil HCl, Donepezil
Used for: Treatment for Alzheimer’s disease
Availability: Eisai Aricept 5 mg and 10 mg. Brand Aricept rapid dissolve tablets in 5 mg and 10 mg. Generic Donepezil 5 mg and 10 mg

How Donepezil Works
Donepezil HCl is a medication that is primarily used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease that gradually destroys memory, cognition, reason, judgment and overall communication; while there is no cure for this disease, Donepezil is a once-a-day medication used to treat the symptoms. Donepezil can be used in combination with Memantine for a more potent effect or it can be taken alone. The dosage and combination will be determined by your doctor depending on the severity of your condition. Donepezil is to be taken exactly as prescribed. Donepezil may have been prescribed for reasons other than those listed.

Generic Aricept vs Brand Aricept
There are very minor differences between brand and generic Aricept; both medications contain the medical ingredient Donepezil Hydrochloride. Brand Donepezil is primarily marketed as Aricept in North America by Esai but can go by different brand names in other parts of the world. Your order for Aricept may have an alternate name depending on its country of origin. Generic Aricept or Donepezil is manufactured outside of an Esai facility; this is the biggest difference between Aricept and Donepezil HCl. Generic Donepezil and Aricept are identical in dose, strength, safety, efficacy, chemical makeup and therapeutic use. If you have any questions regarding the generic manufacturers for Aricept or have any concerns feel free to contact us.

Donepezil Possible side effects
If you or a family member is taking Donepezil it is important to know what side effects are common and which deserve immediate attention. The following are common side effects that will go away on their own over time:

• diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• muscle cramps
• nausea
• trouble sleeping
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting

The following side effects require medical attention:

• dizziness
• fainting
• frequent urination
• headache
• joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• weight loss

If you experience side effects other than those listed, please contact your doctor or pharmacist for further instruction.

Donepezil Guidelines
It is very important to inform your doctor of any medical condition you may have and disclose all medications you are currently taking as these factors affect the way you should take Donepezil. Individuals with asthma, other lung conditions and overall chronic illnesses must take Donepezil cautiously as your condition may worsen. Donepezil tends to produce more stomach acid; people with stomach ulcers must take appropriate monitoring measures. It is not known if Donepezil affects pregnant or breast-feeding women and their infant; therefore Donepezil must only be taken if the benefits outweigh the risks.