From the Guidelines
Aricept (donepezil) should be used to treat symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, with a standard dosing of 5 mg once daily, increasing to 10 mg daily after 4-6 weeks if needed and tolerated, as it has been shown to improve cognitive and global function in patients with Alzheimer's disease, as demonstrated in studies such as 1 and 1. The medication works by increasing acetylcholine levels in the brain, which helps improve memory and thinking skills. Some key points to consider when using Aricept include:
- Common side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, muscle cramps, fatigue, and loss of appetite, as reported in studies like 1 and 1
- The importance of taking the medication regularly as prescribed, and the potential for it to take several weeks to notice benefits
- The need for regular follow-up with healthcare providers to monitor effectiveness and manage side effects
- The fact that Aricept does not cure Alzheimer's disease, but can temporarily slow symptom progression in some patients, as shown in studies such as 1 and 1 It is also important to note that Aricept belongs to a class of drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors, which prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter important for memory and cognitive function. Overall, the use of Aricept should be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, and should be carefully monitored and adjusted as needed to maximize its benefits and minimize its risks, as recommended in guidelines such as 1 and 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Donepezil is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. Efficacy has been demonstrated in patients with mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer’s Disease Donepezil hydrochloride tablets, for oral use Initial U. S. Approval: 1996 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Donepezil is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. Efficacy has been demonstrated in patients with mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer’s Disease Donepezil hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the treatment of dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. Efficacy has been demonstrated in patients with mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer’s disease.
The main use of Aricept, also known as donepezil, is for the treatment of dementia of the Alzheimer’s type, with efficacy demonstrated in patients with mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer’s disease 2, 2, 2.
- Key points:
- Indication: Treatment of dementia of the Alzheimer’s type
- Efficacy: Demonstrated in patients with mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer’s disease
- Drug name: Donepezil
- Drug type: Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
From the Research
Overview of Aricept (Donepezil)
- Aricept, also known as donepezil, is a medication used to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- It is a reversible central acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that works by increasing the levels of available acetylcholine in the brain, which can help to improve cognitive function and slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease 4, 6.
Efficacy of Aricept
- Studies have shown that Aricept can produce modest improvements in cognitive function and global clinical state in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease 3, 5, 6, 7.
- The medication has been found to delay nursing-home placement and provide caregiver respite 4.
- Aricept has also been shown to slow down the deterioration of cognition and global function in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease 4.
Safety and Tolerability of Aricept
- Aricept is generally well-tolerated, with common side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and insomnia 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- The medication has been found to be safe and effective for long-term use, with some studies showing that it can be used for up to 52 weeks without significant adverse effects 5, 6.
Comparison with Other Medications
- Aricept has been compared to other cholinesterase inhibitors, such as galantamine and rivastigmine, and has been found to be similarly effective in improving cognitive function and global clinical state 7.
- The medication has also been compared to memantine, which has been found to have a similar effect on cognitive function, but with fewer side effects 7.