Donepezil is employed to treat confusion (dementia) related to Alzheimer's illness. It will not cure Alzheimer's disease, however it might improve memory, awareness, while the ability to function. This medication is an enzyme blocker that works by restoring the balance of natural substances (neurotransmitters) within the mind.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking donepezil and each time you get a refill. If you have any relevant questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your physician, frequently once daily just before bedtime. If you experience insomnia issues (insomnia), talk to your doctor about switching to a dose morning.
If you are taking the 23-milligram strength tablets, swallow them whole. Do not split, crush, or chew these pills. Doing therefore increases the threat of side impacts.
Dosage relies on your condition that is medical and to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects (such as nausea and diarrhea), your doctor will start this medication at a low dose and gradually raise your dose over weeks to months. Follow your medical practitioner's directions carefully. Do not raise your dose or use this drug more usually than prescribed.
Should you not take donepezil for 7 or more days in line, talk to your doctor prior to starting again. You may need to begin at a lower dose to diminish the risk of side effects.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Each day to help you remember, take it at the same time. Do not stop taking it unless your doctor instructs you to do so. It may take a several weeks before you have the benefit that is full of medication.
Tell your doctor if your condition worsens.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite/weight loss, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, trouble sleeping, shakiness (tremor), or muscle cramps may possibly occur as the body adjusts to the drug. These impacts usually last 1-3 weeks and then lessen. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist quickly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects because he or. Many people using this medication do not have side that is serious.
Inform your doctor straight away if any of these adverse that is serious occur: trouble urinating, severe stomach/abdominal pain, black stools, vomit that seems like coffee grounds, seizures.
Get help that is medical away for those who have any extremely severe unwanted effects, including: slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, serious dizziness, fainting.
A very severe allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any outward symptoms of a significant allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), serious dizziness, difficulty respiration.
This really is maybe not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your pharmacist or doctor.
In the usa -
Call your physician for medical advice about side-effects. You may report adverse effects to Food And Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your medical professional for medical advice about side-effects. You might report adverse effects to wellness Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before taking donepezil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause sensitive reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist to get more details.
Before using this medication, tell your medical professional or pharmacist your medical history, particularly of: breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), fainting, seizures, stomach/intestinal infection (such as ulcers, bleeding), trouble urinating (such as enlarged prostate).
This drug might make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness you can perform such activities safely until you are sure. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Donepezil may cause a condition which affects the center rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (hardly ever fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that want medical attention right away.
The threat of QT prolongation may be increased when you yourself have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that could cause QT prolongation. Before using donepezil, tell your doctor or pharmacist of most of the drugs you take and when you've got any for the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), household reputation for specific heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).
Minimal amounts of potassium or magnesium in the blood may increase your risk also of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Communicate with your physician about using donepezil safely.
Before having surgery, tell your physician or dental practitioner about all the items you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the unwanted effects of the drug, specially QT prolongation (see above).
During pregnancy, this medication should be utilized only when plainly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits along with your doctor.
Its unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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